THANK YOU’S & ENDORSEMENTS

GRANT FUNDING – Karen’s work is endorsed by the Michigan Arts & Humanities Council and she is listed as an adjudicated MHC Touring Directory Artist. Karen’s profile can be viewed here https://touring.michiganhumanities.org/project/karen-bonnici-storyteller-musician-teaching-artist/

To apply for grant support for your nonprofit event and for detailed information on the MHC program visit http://michiganhumanities.org/programs/touring/   

You can also contact Jennifer Rupp with any questions at
jrupp@mihumanities.org or 517-372-7770

michigan-humanities-council

Your songs, stories and lessons were beneficial to the teachers and students. It was one of the best presentations and most effective use of funds from our PTO that we have had in years! The hands-on, personal attention the students received made them grow in self confidence and in skills. Thank you!
Susan Nayback

Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)

Good morning! I just wanted to thank you for encouraging and sharing your passion for storytelling with the team. They had a blast, and brought back some great ideas; but most important- renewed excitement for the part of the day that can become routine. So thanks again!” Kimberly Andrew, Annie’s Children’s Center
Kimberly Andrew

Annie’s Children’s Center

Just a note to thank you for your wonderful program! It was the perfect way to kick off our new season! Your enthusiasm and expertise will motivate us as readers and storytellers. Thanks again for sharing.
Members of the the Birmingham

Storyteller’s Guild

Karen put on a great show for the kids despite a cold wet day!! We all thoroughly enjoyed her performance despite the weather! She had the kids, and even most of the adults, fully engaged and warm!

Geoff Jeal

Event planner for corporate picnic

I just wanted to express my gratitude for including a story into the program. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive when you mentioned it but I thought it really showcased what the children were capable of doing. I heard nothing but compliments from the parents. The kids loved the responsibility of learning their lines and feeling good when they were successful. I loved The gingerbread man and the rhyming aspect of it made it more fun. Thank you once again!
Ms. Cheryl

Bloomfield Maples Montessori

Great party addition! We recently hired Karen for our daughter’s birthday. She did a great job getting the kids involved even though many were initially distracted by toys in the area. She was able to easily adapt to the situation and we had a great time. She was also very easy to work with. Would definitely recommend for a similar event
Julie Greenberg

Party Planner & Mom

Last Thursday at the Community House in Birmingham I got the chance to listen to you telling stories. I truly enjoyed it. It was a wonderful, awesome, and impressive morning that definitely left its mark. Thank you so much.
Gudrun Seifert-Kneer

Thank you so much for coming in and sharing your stories and music with us! We had so much fun with you!
Kelly McDonald

Riley Upper Elementary School

With your stories, you’ve taken my students to places they’ve never been! Through your expression and movement, the children are captured in the story ’til the end. Thank you also for your advice on how they can become storytellers, too!
Diane Mitchell

Teacher, Oakley Park Elementary

During Karen’s storytelling class, I watched my son bloom. Karen captured the children’s attention with her amazing storytelling and qualities of an exceptional teacher. At the end of the program there was a graduating performance, and my son—who often avoids talking to people—was in front of an audience, storytelling. He was relaxed, smiling, animated, and funny!
Carrie Schwinnen

Parent

Both times I hired Karen, she had the children engaged, singing, and also had them asking, ‘Does she have to leave now?’ She was the perfect entertainment for our neighborhood camp-out. The second event was a school function, where more than 150 children and adults participated. Karen had both the kids and adults captivated.
Amy Strauss

Parent and Community and School Volunteer

We attended your storytelling at Aten Place this afternoon. What a treat it was to see the children enjoying your tales and participating in your stories and songs. Your enthusiasm was contageous. My 4 year old granddaughter loved it and so did her mom and me! So glad you came to Northern Michigan!
Sandra Rudolph

Thank you so much for bring so many beautiful notes to Symphony’s and Melody’s life. Tuesday is their favorite day of school because Ms. Karen will be there! With much gratitude and appreciation,

The Zhou Family

When I first spoke to Karen, I did tell her that the birthday party would be for my 1 year old son, and the other kids that are invited would be in the age group of 1 to 5 years. Karen was so thoughtful, she designed her program accordingly. We also had kids of 11 to 13 years of age. Karen made sure all the kids had fun. She started her program with rhymes that involved animal sounds, as my son loves making animal sounds. There was also storytelling, which kept the older kids engrossed. Kids who were shy at first, began to take part in the program and even sang and danced. I could see my son also laugh and jump. Even the elders sat to listen to Karen. We made sounds using shakers, jumped and moved around. Everyone at the party looked cheerful during the event. My son had his focus on her singing and smiled all the time. Karen has a beautiful voice and a charming personality. She spoke to the kids and made them sit and participate. Having Karen perform for my son’s birthday party was one of my best decisions. I can’t thank Karen enough for the lovely program she performed for us.

Smriti Mathur

Party Planner & Mother

Your show was super power great! I have heard from kids and adults about how much they enjoyed it. I also received wonderful comments on your music and storytelling. Not only did the kids love it but the adults were also fascinated. Thanks again for the wonderful program and I hope we can plan for next year.
Judy Gottschalk

Dearth Union Township Library

Thank you so much for joining the Pokagan Band on Harvest Day! We loved your music and stories. You are definitely a rock star and we look forward to having you back again. I heard nothing but wonderful reviews from attendees. My 13 year old daughter was even singing your songs all weekend!
Autumn Cabrillas

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

Thank you so much for coming and doing your Improv U presentation for our workshop series. We had a great time and walked away having learned different things that we could use in our efforts to grow our businesses. I appreciate all your time and effort to be with us and hope to see you again soon!
Mark Tremper

Success Builders Network

Thank you for being our Guest Teller at The Children’s Third Annual Storytelling Concert!  You were wonderful, so energetic and joyful!  Everyone enjoyed you, your music, and stories very much!
Martha Flores

Detroit Storytelling League

As a storyteller, you catch us up in the moment. As a musician and songwriter, you know what will get us toe-tapping and swaying to the music. You have a heart for kids of all ages and know what we like. You certainly can tickle our funny bones!
Darlene Williams

Librarian, Walled Lake Library

Karen is a gifted performer with a knack for getting children to interact right from the start of her program.  Her use of music catches the attention of the audience while also challenging them to use memory and listening skills to tell a story through song.  Working without props or costumes, Karen transforms into various characters in her stories and has a dynamic presence that makes a strong impact on the audience.  I loved hearing her songs and stories, and enjoyed watching children interact with her during the performance.
Liz Conger

Bloomfield Township Public Library

I just wanted to let you know that my son had a blast in class today. You are doing an amazing job with the boys and all the moms are super pleased. Thanks for all your hard work … the boys are getting a lot out of it!
Molly Midgley

Parent

I’d just like to thank you for inspiring me again with something I’ve always known to be a rich teaching and learning tool. Because of your visit, a storytelling station now exists in our classroom. You should see the kids in action as they retell, create, and practice their reading skills.
Megan Hintz

Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)

“I can’t wait to use these storytelling skills with my children, I needed some new ways to get them engaged!”
“Amazing way to tell a story.”
“You are a great storyteller, I love your examples.”
“I loved the key story!”
“I like how you use detail to create a vivid picture. I can see the vision as she speaks.”
“I like that you said everything doesn’t have to be perfect. That encourages me to enjoy and try new stories without pressure. The kids enjoy us when we are enjoying what we’re doing.”
“Thank you for giving us some great tools to make storytime come along especially when we all have to be somewhat on-line this year.” “Love how descriptive your stories are!”
“She is great! I love her examples! Going to try this!! LOVE IT!”
“So excited to take this to the classroom!”
“Thank you so much Karen-This was wonderful!”
“I can’t wait to try them in the classroom. That was enlightening.”
“Thank you, such fun stories and ideas!”
“I found this to be extremely helpful to me with telling stories I am definitely going to try this with my kids I work with.”
Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children

Workshop participant feedback

AND FROM LITTLE LISTENERS

“You were lots and lots and lots of fun, ’cause those were very good stories.”
“You are the best storyteller ever, even because I never saw one before.”
“I liked it when you made those noises.”
“Thank you for your stories. You’re a really great actress.”
“You are very funny and those stories made me happy. I was worried about the little girl but she was smart like me!”
“I like when I see the pictures in my head and then I can see the story.”
“Thanks for telling us stories. You are really funny!”

FROM KAREN’S STUDENTS

“Can you make your class longer next time?”
“Please come back and teach us again next year.”
“I am always so excited to tell people the whale story I learned, and I am adding lots of my own ideas.”

AND WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

“A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Storytellers Guild. You truly made a wonderful experience for everyone. Your workshop techniques were just what we needed to wrap up our orientation theme for the year. Your music was an inspiring delight.”
“So many songs and laughs. I’m wide awake and enjoying myself. Excellent resources.”
“Karen was inspiring and motivated me to pick up a musical instrument.”