Description

Book Synopsis

This sequel to the bestselling Princesses, Dragons and Helicopter Stories reveals the positive impact the storytelling and story acting curriculum of Vivian Gussin Paley has on young children's literacy, communication and confidence. Telling the story of three years of classroom-based research with children aged two to seven, it shows the Helicopter Stories approach in action, capturing the children's development as storytellers and their delight at having their stories listened to, scribed and acted out.

In each chapter Trisha Lee's passion for children's unique voices shines through as she shares and reflects on the children's stories, paying each of them the same respect as would normally be bestowed on adult writers. Exploring the importance of story in children's lives, the book:

  • Examines the cognitive and developmental impact of implementing a Helicopter Stories approach over an extended time period
  • Analyses the stories told by chil

    Trade Review

    ‘Without imagination we are lost - from ourselves, the world and one another. This magical book is your map to the ’stories’ of childhood and a timely reminder to dream harder, bigger and brighter. Your children need you to read it.’

    Greg Bottrill, author of Can I Go and Play Now – Rethinking the Early Years and School and the Magic of Children

    ‘Trisha Lee’s magical book, The Growth of a Storyteller, shows how the youngest children develop the ability to tell their own stories and act them out. Starting with two-year-olds, Trisha watched as they learned to expand their characters and plots, and she shows the reader why storytelling and story acting are such a valuable tool for the language development, social skills, and emotional well-being of all children.’

    Jane Katch, author of Under Deadman’s Skin – Discovering the Meaning of Children’s Violent Play, They Don’t Like Me – Lessons on Bullying, and Far Away from the Tigers

    ‘This beautiful book is utterly captivating and should come with a warning that meals will go unprepared and dogs will go unwalked once you start reading it. A story in itself, it delivers theory and practical information and provides compelling evidence for the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are heard, and valued, now more than ever. I guarantee you will find yourself listening to children in a different way after reading this.’

    Kym Scott, Early Years Consultant, and founder, A Place To Learn

    ‘Human beings are a storying species, get us together with a group of friends and we will all tell our stories. Trisha's work, which is inspired by the wonderful Vivian- Gussin- Paley, explores what it means to be a young storyteller and how the essential skills of storytelling develop when nurtured by skilled and knowledgeable adults. A must-read for anyone who works with young children.’

    Ruth Swailes, School Improvement Advisor, Curriculum Developer. Nursery World Trainer of the Year 2021



    Table of Contents

    Introduction: The Beginning 1. The Storyteller in Me 2. The Truly Youngest Storytellers 3. Incredible Connections 4. The Ordinary World 5. Crossing the Threshold 6. The Borrowers 7. The Impact of Helicopter Stories - Four Case Studies Lucas and the Dinosaurs Ava the Word Magpie Ethan the Novelist Daisy the Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still 8. The Return of the Storytellers

The Growth of a Storyteller

    Product form

    £20.19

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 1 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback by Trisha Lee

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Growth of a Storyteller by Trisha Lee

      Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      Publication Date: 7/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9780367751913, 978-0367751913
      ISBN10: 0367751917

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      This sequel to the bestselling Princesses, Dragons and Helicopter Stories reveals the positive impact the storytelling and story acting curriculum of Vivian Gussin Paley has on young children's literacy, communication and confidence. Telling the story of three years of classroom-based research with children aged two to seven, it shows the Helicopter Stories approach in action, capturing the children's development as storytellers and their delight at having their stories listened to, scribed and acted out.

      In each chapter Trisha Lee's passion for children's unique voices shines through as she shares and reflects on the children's stories, paying each of them the same respect as would normally be bestowed on adult writers. Exploring the importance of story in children's lives, the book:

      • Examines the cognitive and developmental impact of implementing a Helicopter Stories approach over an extended time period
      • Analyses the stories told by chil

        Trade Review

        ‘Without imagination we are lost - from ourselves, the world and one another. This magical book is your map to the ’stories’ of childhood and a timely reminder to dream harder, bigger and brighter. Your children need you to read it.’

        Greg Bottrill, author of Can I Go and Play Now – Rethinking the Early Years and School and the Magic of Children

        ‘Trisha Lee’s magical book, The Growth of a Storyteller, shows how the youngest children develop the ability to tell their own stories and act them out. Starting with two-year-olds, Trisha watched as they learned to expand their characters and plots, and she shows the reader why storytelling and story acting are such a valuable tool for the language development, social skills, and emotional well-being of all children.’

        Jane Katch, author of Under Deadman’s Skin – Discovering the Meaning of Children’s Violent Play, They Don’t Like Me – Lessons on Bullying, and Far Away from the Tigers

        ‘This beautiful book is utterly captivating and should come with a warning that meals will go unprepared and dogs will go unwalked once you start reading it. A story in itself, it delivers theory and practical information and provides compelling evidence for the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are heard, and valued, now more than ever. I guarantee you will find yourself listening to children in a different way after reading this.’

        Kym Scott, Early Years Consultant, and founder, A Place To Learn

        ‘Human beings are a storying species, get us together with a group of friends and we will all tell our stories. Trisha's work, which is inspired by the wonderful Vivian- Gussin- Paley, explores what it means to be a young storyteller and how the essential skills of storytelling develop when nurtured by skilled and knowledgeable adults. A must-read for anyone who works with young children.’

        Ruth Swailes, School Improvement Advisor, Curriculum Developer. Nursery World Trainer of the Year 2021



        Table of Contents

        Introduction: The Beginning 1. The Storyteller in Me 2. The Truly Youngest Storytellers 3. Incredible Connections 4. The Ordinary World 5. Crossing the Threshold 6. The Borrowers 7. The Impact of Helicopter Stories - Four Case Studies Lucas and the Dinosaurs Ava the Word Magpie Ethan the Novelist Daisy the Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still 8. The Return of the Storytellers

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account