Welcome to the John Harris website!
If we want to encourage children to read we have to nurture their love of stories, and no-one can do that better than a good Storyteller.
A well told story can take an audience from a gasp of shock to a scream of laughter in the twist of a phrase. It can leave the listener more exhilirated and moved than anything on a screen can do - the immediacy and intensity of a live performance which reaches every child in the audience is priceless.
A good Storyteller takes children to another world, where they stretch their imaginations and run the gamut of emotions; they can sympathise and empathise, rationalise and quantify. Their own experiences can be related to others and learned from, and their understanding of the world around them is developed. Listening to a good Storyteller can help enable a child to find their own voice in the world.
'A tour de force' - Michael Morpurgo
John Harris is one of only a handful of full-time professional Storytellers in Britain, and the only one who works exclusively with younger audiences.
He's been telling stories to great acclaim in hundreds of schools and libraries all over the country for the last decade. (Although as a former drama teacher, actor, scriptwriter and director he's been paid to tell stories in one form or another for the last 30 years!)
In the last couple of years he's been a regular guest at various book festivals; appeared at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre; was a guest speaker at The Prince of Wales' Education Summer School (where Michael Morpurgo described his contribution as 'A Tour de Force'); appeared twice on BBC Radio 4, and published three very popular childrens books, all to great acclaim.
His stories come from all times and places: ancient tales; classical mythology; folk tales; spooky tales; myths and legends from all around the world, and many stories of his own. His work encourages listening and speaking skills, concentration, an understanding of narrative, and the love of stories which is the basis not just of a love of reading but of a fully rounded human being.
Most of his bookings are return visits or by recommendation. Wherever he tells his stories the word most often used in response is 'Spellbinding'. When you hear him you'll know why.
But don't take our word for it - have a look at the unsolicited responses to his work here
This site should tell you everything you need to know , but if it doesn't please just ask - either phone 01245 355517 or visit the contact page to send an email.
We look forward to hearing from you!