Now available on amazon.com and cdbaby.com

listen to Golden Goose on www.storybee.org

 Tales told and adapted by Cathy Kaemmerlen

Click here to order .  Note the ISBN number: 0-9714236-0-1

LATEST REVIEW: 

FOOLISH FOLKS offers young listeners 66 minutes of wonderfully performed storytelling by professional storyteller and actress Cathy Kaemmerlen.  After an engaging introduction (1:20), children are treated to four superbly crafted and performed folktale stories, followed by a Conclusion (1:01).  The charming and entertaining original tales include the LAZY DAUGHTER (13:51); LITTLE FESTER (20:21); STUBBORN HUSBAND/STUBBORN WIFE (17:26); and THE GOLDEN GOOSE (12:41). Although the primary audience are kids, this FOOLISH FOLKS is a CD format audiobook that will also charm and entertain adults as well with its enhancement of original theme music by guitarist Matthew Smith and providing each story with an ethnic flavor.  Highly Recommended!
-- CHILDREN'S BOOKWATCH, MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW  May 2002

"My lips are in a constant smile while I sit listening to your storytelling.  The tales are humorous and sweet." Mary Fee

What is it?   A storytelling CD for family audiences, containing stories for all ages, designed to please and tease, delight and upright, amuse and bemuse.

Who did it? Cathy Kaemmerlen, renowned storyteller/actress/performer for 25 years, who has literally entertained thousands of audiences across the country.

What's on the CD? Four folktales featuring fools who teach us to look and laugh at ourselves.

What are the four stories about?   LAZY DAUGHTER was originally a Karelian tale with a Rumpletstiltkskin flavor but with a different twist.  LITTLE FESTER was originally a Native American tale from the Northwest coast about a captured princess, an old hag, a lazybones with a festering boil that turns into a little man with lots of energy, and a reluctant hero.  STUBBORN HUSBAND/STUBBORN WIFE was originally a Persian tale about an arguing couple, who wager a bet over who will be the first one to talk, once the contest is started. And THE GOLDEN GOOSE can be found in the collection of Grimm fairytales, about another sort of contest to make a serious princess laugh and win her hand and half the kingdom.

How long is the CD?   About an hour and 10 minutes of fun and pleasure.

Is there music on the CD?   Yes, with some original theme music written for the CD by guitarist Matthew Smith.  Music contributes to the ethnic flavor of each story.

Who would be interested in this CD?   Anyone who loves books on tape; anyone who loves spoken word audiotapes;  anyone who spends a lot of time stuck in the car in traffic with or without kids; anyone who travels a lot; parents looking for amusing, worthwhile family entertainment.

What are people saying about it?   "I love Cathy's CD FOOLISH FOLKS.  Her stories are a tapestry of colorful humor, playful adventure and dynamic voices sewed together with a masterful touch."  "Cathy's dynamic voices and playful humor reminds us to take a minute and laugh at ourselves." "I've never heard some of these delightful stories before.  And the ones I've had, Cathy tells in such a vibrant, full of life and fun way."  "She's discovered a whole new career:  the spoken word."  "Cathy's voice is so beautiful to listen to and is very expressive with her different characters. Her acting training is obvious."

What Cathy says:   "I came to storytelling from a dance and theatre background.  In undergoing the transition from dancer to teller, I discovered a VOICE, which I've been happily using telling stories for about 20 years.  However, it was my challenge, through my first recording, to make my voice do what my body does, me being a very visual teller.  "Lord, what fools these mortals be."  Thank you, Shakespearean fairies, for pointing that out to us.  These stories are dedicated to the Little Fester and the Mortal Fool in us all.  What a humdrum life we would live without our foolish foibles.  I hope these stories please and tease, delight and upright, amuse and bemuse you all."

Click here to order .  Note the ISBN number: 0-9714236-0-1

Now available on amazon.com

Told and adapted by Cathy Kaemmerlen
Click here to order
NEW MANCHESTER GIRL is the true story of the Walter Washington Stewart family of New Manchester, Georgia, from 1851-1867, based on an audio account by Scynthia Stewart Boyd.

The 45 minute CD consists of: Prologue, Introduction, The Coming of War, Papa's Promise, The Coming of the Yankees, After the Fire, Prisoners, The Band, Reunion, Going Home, Strawberry Manna from Heaven, Conclusion and Epilogue .

"Kaemmerlen's charming performance is a poignant reminder that strong family ties can transcend the most tumultuous times...this production is a fine example of oral history at its best." September's SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

'Storyteller Cathy Kaemmerlen's compellingly innocent voice reflects young Scynthia's impressions and feelings when her father departs for war...Carol Betsill's vocal renditions fit perfectly with the stories.  Through Scynthia's perspective, listeners experience the portent of war and the prevailing optimism fostered by family love.  A good example of oral history."   John Sigwald/BOOKLIST MAGAZINE, July 2003

"I have been re-enacting for about 10 years and have seen many portrayals of first-person for spectators. However, your presentation was the absolute best first-person narrative I have ever had the privilege of witnessing. Thank you."
--1st Lieutenant Gene Harmon, 28th GA, Co G, CSA; 123rd NY, Co D, US, Georgia Division of Re-enactors

"NEW MANCHESTER GIRL is a superbly presented compendium of stories...(it) will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to school and community library CD audio book collections."   Children's Bookwatch

"I was so impressed with your CD.  You did a wonderful job and have a perfect voice...It is very well done and sure to be a big hit."  Deborah Petite, author of NOT4GOTTEN

"For 45 minutes I listened spellbound at the beautiful tale you crafted about Scynthia Catherine.  It brought to life portions of the book I put my heart into about five years ago."  Ruth Beaumont Cook, author of NORTH ACROSS THE RIVER:  the Civil War Trail of Tears

"I feel fortunate to have been privy to this wonderful story, which I gladly share with you listeners. The intent here is not to place blame or to stir up bitter wounds from a conflict that has been over for almost 150 years. The intent here is to honor those individuals, the common men or women, whose actions and decisions helped shape our country's legacy and spirit. We can all hope to act, in times of crisis, so nobly and remain so devoted to those we love. Enjoy."
--Cathy Kaemmerlen

to hear some soundbites, check out http://www.friendsofsweetwatercreek.org and http://www.friendsofsweetwatercreek.org/NMnch05.htm

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