ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Oliver Daniels, Julia Serino and Tenley Seidel, left, listen to and participate in the story about a hungry cat being told by puppeteer, actor and storyteller Alan White at the Lynn Museum on Wednesday.
BY GABE MARTINEZ
LYNN — The Lynn Museum transported local children to worlds filled with magic and wonder, courtesy of a storyteller.
Alan White, a storyteller from New Hampshire, entertained the children with African folktales and Afro-American folktales.
The stories are from all over the world, including West Africa, Jamaica and the Southern U.S., according to White.
White entertained the children with four stories. The stories included, “Boo Hag,” “Hungry Cat,”
“Wisdom of the Lion” and “Br’er Rabbit and the Magic Gate.”
This was White’s first visit to the museum. The museum was excited to have White, due to his creativity, passion and knowledge, according to the museum’s Executive Director, Drew Russo.
All of the stories required some audience participation, but the big hit of the day was the “Br’er Rabbit.”
“I liked the rabbit story because of the songs and because I got to run,” said Charlotte Cahill, 4, of Lynn.
White’s favorite story is “Hungry Cat,” a story he learned from British Jamaican storyteller, Jan Blake.
White remembers gaining his passion for storytelling from his mother and brother.
“Some of my earliest memories are of my mother reading Dr. Seuss, and my brother reading Edgar Allen Poe poems,” said White.
Russo believes that these events are great for both the children and the community.
“This is a time when kids are out of school and have free time,” said Russo. “It’s nice to have affordable, cultural experiences in the community.”
The museum has been hosting school vacation week events for over six years.
“We always strive to provide fun, creative programs that both educate and entertain,” said Russo.
To round off vacation week, the museum will host a miniature hot air balloon launch for museum members today. On Friday, there will be a free dance workshop for kids featuring lessons in ballet, hip-hop and jazz.
Gabe Martinez can be reached at [email protected].