Dream Shapers Testimonials

Dave Kinnoin	Ken Frawley
Dan Crow	Michael D. McCarty
Cowboy Ken	Christy Lewis
The American Cowboy	Joanie Bartels
Georgette Baker	Wonderworld Puppets
Craig Newton	Jay Leslie
Rodney Howard	Rebecca Martin

Send Us Your Review

I have found that working with your organization to book performers for our programs is far less stressful than others I have worked with. You certainly take the pressure off us when everything works out and even more so when they don't.

Thank you again for your professionalism and prompt response to the problem.

— Patricia Sullivan, MLIS, Irwindale City Librarian

We appreciate the fine company of storytellers and other talented people in Dream Shapers fine company. Your performances make our literacy programs so meaningful.

— Beth Ash, Literacy Services, Riverside County Library System

Great to work with - I wish I could use Dream Shapers for all of our programs!!

— Sindee Pickens, El Segundo Library

I would recommend this program or any other Dream Shapers' program to any library

— Roberta Marquez, South El Monte Library

Dave Kinnoin ^Top of Page^

I was really impressed at how well all of them responded to you "Who's good" song.

At your first performance here there was a child who wouldn't raise his hand and say "I am" in response. You stopped the show and sat on the floor with the child for bout seven minutes until you had convinced him that he really was a good boy. That level of caring for children you don't even know is very rare.

- Patricia Sullivan, MLIS
Irwindale City Librarian

I wanted to thank you for joining us at the library last week. What a wonderful show you provided. It was well received by the families of our community. You were enthusiastic and full of energy. For an outdoor performance that kind of liveliness is needed, it really draws the audience in.

- Annette Simpson, Monrovia Library

Dave Kinnoin has performed at our library three times - the children keep asking for him to come back. He has an exceptional rapport with the children and at every show he has taught the children something about self esteem, important values and especially how to value themselves.

- Patricia Sullivan, Irwindale Public Library

The audience here is very young; mostly 3 to 5 years old. It's hard for them to focus when there's a lot of explanation. They loved Dave's silliness, singing along with him, and the funny faces he made.

- Caroline Gudweitz, Placentia Library

The children had a really good time and so did the adults who came to listen as well.

— Patricia Sullivan, Irwindale Public Library

Wonderful show! I got a lot of very positive feedback from both parents and children. Thank you so much for coming to our library and performing.

— Michelle Mednick, Children's Librarian, Kaufman Bentwood Library

He had a wonderful interaction and communication with the children in talking about feelings and situations involving their parents.He had the audience's full attention and was well received.

— Christine Kozdriwicki, Granada Hills Library

Much enjoyed by all, Thanks!

— Karyn Allen, Arroyo Seco Library

You are super for sharing your expertise, talents and creativity with our students and would recommend your program to other LAUSD schools.

— Nathalee Evans, Principle, Van Ness Ave. School

Thanks again for your wonderful music program you gave in the in the Children's Literature Department of the Los Angeles Public Library. The performance was exciting and fun. The children truly enjoyed the show.

— Ilene Abramson, Senior Librarian, Children's Services LAPL

Thank you so much for your stirring performance at the Irwindale Public Library this summer. We really appreciate the emphasis you put on self worth during your performances. Your ability to communicate important issues to the children in a way that they understand easily and the way you help them have fun while they are learning are the main reasons we keep asking you back.

— Patricia Sullivan, MLIS Irwindale City Librarian

I thought Dave's music was bouncy, fun and full of child appeal.

— Eva Nitnick, Venice Library

Dan Crow ^Top of Page^

Dan is great!

- Barbara Johnson, Wiseburn Library

Thank you for sharing your stories and songs with all the children who attended our Literacy Festival.As you could tell from their response and interaction with you, they all had a great time and you helped make our festival a success.

— Lynn DeSantis, Palm Desert Library

Dan Crow is a great performer. He arrived early and stayed late. He interacted well with the audience.

- Marilyn Greenbaum, Lloyd Taber - Marina del Rey Library

Ken Frawley ^Top of Page^

Thank you for coming yesterday and entertaining us with your Halloween Party show. We are very glad that you came. One of the more popular activities in your program was the screaming. I'm sure you noticed how the children put their whole hearts into those screams! But, I have to agree with my Library Assistant, Carl, that the bear was the big hit. Car is a twenty-six year old who was talking about that bear the rest of the afternoon!

- Susan Farrell, University Park Library

Ken always does a fantastic show for us! He's personable and the kids (and Parents) love him!

— Rosanne Miller, Orange Public Library

Thank you for sharing your wonderful Irish show with the children of Covina. It was full of energy and audience participation-just what the kids love.

— Joy Shaup, Children's Librarian, Covina

Parents enjoyed it as much as children. There was a lot of participation, eyes were glued on Ken and lots of smiles from everyone. Can't do any better than that!

— Judy Booth, Balboa Library

St. Patrick's Day Show - We had many seniors also attending and everyone thanked us over and over for having this program.

— Lynn DeSantis, Palm Desert Library

The children loved the show and it kept their attention.

- Mary Ellen Bohinski, Chino Hills Branch Library

The kids and their parents had a marvelous time!! Thank you for such an enjoyable and entertaining show.

- Tara Smith, San Marino Public Library

Ken brought a wealth of historical detail to the children which helped them better understand the life of the men who worked with cattle. Very interesting performance.

- Patricia Sullivan, Irwindale Public Library

Outstanding as usual!

- Rosanne Miller, El Modena Library

A true pleasure as always. Thank you, Ken!

- Melissa Messner, Manhattan Beach Library

St Patrick's Day Show - Ken is very accommodating and always energetic. Enthusiasm permeates at his performances.

— Betty Kazmann, Betty Wilson Library

Ken Frawley - What a wonderful program. The children, parents and library staff had a great time with you and the exciting stories you told. We all appreciated the family program.

— Kathy Shaw, Fontana library

Ken gave a fantastic performance. He took control and put everyone at ease.

— Carol McCarthy, Big Bear Lake Branch Library

Ken is such a lively and engaging performer!... I will invite him back again and again!

— Katrina Neville, San Marcos Branch Library

Thank you so much for coming to our school for our Kindergarten classes. They had a great time! The stories were perfect and right in line with the Halloween spirit. The teachers loved it too!

— Naora Grabar, Wagon Wheel PTA

I always enjoy your presentations. I know when I book you that we will have a great show, with lots of audience participation, That the children will enjoy and learn from.

— Janine Jacobs, Fullerton Public Library

I want to thank you for a wonderful performance.you certainly entertained a large and boisterous group with your clever songs and stories. Your humor and skill kept them engrossed the whole time. I've received several compliments from the patrons.

— Julie Fredericksen, Rancho Santa Margarita Library

At the close of the program, parents commented that they thought that Ken Frawley, our musical storyteller, was the best we ever had. He used participation through the program and the children and the parents stayed involved and entertained.

— Karen Gerloff, Canyon Hills Branch Mannagers

Thank you for bringing your camp songs and stories to our library. Over 75 kids enjoyed your program, made special by your fabulous enthusiasm. It was a special day for all of us.

— Kari Montez, Downey Library

Thank you so much for coming to our library and presenting a very entertaining program for our children! They enjoyed "Camp Sing Along" and joining in the rounds and other fun songs!

— Roberta Drake, San Juan Capistrano Library

Cowboy Ken ^Top of Page^

I want you to know how much Ii appreciate what a great program you presented.The audience - all ages - really enjoyed meeting "Cowboy Ken."

— Patti Beck, Whittwood Library

Program and performer were excellent! Many parents and children asked us to have Cowboy Ken back at the library.

— Christina Jamie, La Verne Library

Cowboy Ken, Medicine Wagon Show - I would certainly recommend this show to schools and librarians.

— Brigitta Lopez, No. Hollywood Library

As always it was a pleasure having Cowboy Ken perform. Our families loved the roping demonstration, hearing your great stories and singing cowboy songs.

— Tracie Janis, Riverside County Library System

The program was educational and fun. I learned lots of things about cowboys I didn't know.

— Patricia Houlihan, Live Oak Library

Cowboy Ken, American Heritage Program - Ken did a superb job! We really enjoyed his "history lesson." We also enjoyed his wonderful music. He made us smile!

— Lisa Chung, Eastwood Elementary

I would highly recommend Cowboy Ken. He arrived early for the show.

— Alice Coe, Palm Desert Library

Audience was captivated for the entire program

—Theresa Walsh, University Park Library

Ken Frawley was superb! Lots of enthusiasm and a great performer in general.

—Roberta Marquez, South El Monte Library

Ken is always a huge hit with children, parents and the library staff. the American Cowboy was an entertaining, energetic and informative program. Kids love for performing is infectious, making him a surefire hit with audiences of all ages. We love ken here at the Temecula Library!

—Ginger, Temecula Library

Ken always presents a quality program. I have him back at my library year after ear because my patrons love him. He is very professional and his program includes a good mix of entertainment and information. First rate.

—Carol Loyd, Rancho Mirage Public Library

Thank you Ken- your blend of music, humor, theater and education was delightful as always. I loved the rope tricks!

— Melissa, Manhatton Beach Library

Michael D. McCarty ^Top of Page^

DreamShapers performers always related well to the kids and put extra effort in talking to them after the show. Michael was great at getting the kids to participate. It was evident that they listened!

- Kelly Hulbert, Gardena Mayme Dear Library

Michael is terrific and amazing - as a storyteller and as a human being!

- Eva Mitnick, Venice Library

Mr. McCarty's performance was as effervescent as his personality.

- JoAnn C. Connolly, Kaisert Branch Library

Thank you for a wonderful performance at the Will & Ariel Durant Library. The patrons enjoyed your storytelling and you are professional in your work.

— Linda Benner, LAPL

Everyone enjoyed the show! I highly recommend Michael D. McCarty to any school at any grade level.

— Dianna Kronquist, Sunkist Elementary

Your animation, enthusiasm, and expressions held the children and parents. Everyone enjoyed your show. Outstanding.

— Cathy, George Nye Library

Michael gave one of the most amazing presentations we have ever had. The excitement generated from his stories was phenominal! The students are still retelling the stories and talking about how much fun Michael was. Thank you so much.

— Christy Lund, St. Joseph Elementary, Long Beach

The American Cowboy ^Top of Page^

Particularly appreciated the tie-in of Hispanic (Spanish / Mexican) heritage into the American cowboy culture.

— Lydia Ulwa, Robert E. Lee Elementary

This was a fantastic performance. Teachers & Kids had the time of their lives! Thank You.

— Kelly McAmis, Smith Elementary

Thank you so much for the teacher's workbook and the tape with the cowboy songs. The students really enjoyed the program and the way you presented it. The students were enthralled with the rope tricks, the songs and the history. It was very exciting to students and staff to hear the history and the stories.

— Judith Ernst, Principal, Zeta O. Doyle Elementary School

Fantastic - The performers really made you feel like we were on a cattle drive. Great show.

— J. Serra Elementary

Georgette Baker ^Top of Page^

A spirited tour guide who takes children through a musical called "South American Adventure."

— Los Angeles Times May 2000

The children cannot stop talking about your unusual artifacts! Thank you for coming and sharing your wonderful show1.

— Bethel Elementary, Pennsylvania

We look forward to having you again next year!

— John Muier Elementary, Long Beach

What a delightful upbeat program you presented! Thank you so much for sharing all your songs, artifacts and experiences with us.

— Diane (Eugene Brucker Education Center, San Diego)

You bring South America to life, thank you for sharing your time with my class.

— Sindi Wasserman

One of the best programs we've had in our library.

— Sharon Wilkins, President of the Friends of the Library Chino Hills

Christy Lewis ^Top of Page^

Christy was friendly, charming and professional in every way. Her performance was wonderful and right on target for the audience; enjoyable for children and parents.

— Sindee Pickens, El Segundo Library

I enjoyed the program very much. The children started out quietly watching but by the end of the program they were clapping and really into it. They were surprised and delighted by Christy's skill with ropes and whips.

— Janine Jacobs, Fullerton Library

Christy was very flexible and balm about some changes we had to deal with. She's easy to work with and a delightful performer.

— Pam Detilla, City of Commerce Library

We enjoyed Christy's performance and skill at trick roping.

— Holly Kurtz, Norwalk Library

Christy was friendly, charming and professional in every way.. We received lots of positive comments from the attendees

— Sidnee Pickins, El Segundo Public Library

Thank you so much! We all loved the show.

— Claire Scarsborough, Surbank Public Library - Northwest Branch

We really enjoyed Christy Lewis and her son! It was a great program - a special highlight for our Western Summer Reading Program!

— Poberta Drake, Brea Library

Excellent program - educational and fun! The parents loved it too. Christy did a great job and held the children's attention for the entire program.

— Jeane, Redondo Beach North Branch Library

Cowgirl Christy was very cheerful and professional. She did and excellent job.

— Joyce Pealock, Downey City Library

Joanie Bartels

Thank you very much for your fine performances. Your programs were enjoyed by all.

— Cindy Brody, Quartz Hill Library

Craig Newton ^Top of Page^

He is always a winner - Encore!! I would highly recommend his show.

— Marjary Hopper, John C. Freemont Branch Library

Wonderworld Puppets

The program was great! Ric has a way of engaging the audience that is truly wonderful. The kids had the best time - as did the adults. I highly recommend this program.

- Galen Gillotte, Walnut Library

The kids and adults enjoyed the show. Humorous; good plot that was entertaining as well as telling about the Gold Rush. Very professional.

— Holly Kurtz, Norwalk Library

Rodney Howard ^Top of Page^

Very informative, entertaining and educational. The program seemed to captivate and maintain the children's interest. The costume and props were excellent.

— Miara, Heritage Park Regional Library

Thank you so much for coming to our City Hall for a performance this summer. The children couldn't believe that a "real indian" was coming to talk to them. I think the hoop dance was everyone's favorite part of the show. Thank you again for your dance and storytelling skills and for the explaining your dress and the artifacts you used in the dances.

— Patricia Sullivan, MLIS Irwindale City Librarian


	Our audience really appreciated this program. Worked well with our summer reading western theme.
	— Eileen Tokar, Leland R Weaver Library
Jay Leslie
	The children had a wonderful time at your performance last Wednesday. It was a pleasure to see them so animated during a program. After you left several parents came up to me to tell me how much they had enjoyed your show. Thank you so much for a very enjoyable afternoon.
	— Patricia Sullivan, MLIS. Irwindale City Librarian
	Thank you again for the stellar performance and for all the humor with which you imbue the show. Everyone was very happy about spending part of their afternoon with you.
	— Patricia Sullivan, MLIS. Irwindale City Librarian
	Very good and fun audience participation.
	— Holly Simon, Burbank public Library, Buena Vista Branch
Rebecca Martin ^Top of Page^
	Thank you for your entertaining storytelling last week. You captivated our very young audience with your tales of "The Beautiful Butterfly" and "The Princess Who Never Laughed." Your use of audience participation in the call and response and the insect sounds, songs and movements helped to maintain their attention.
	— Maida Lin Wong, Senior Librarian, Children's Services City of South Pasadena