What audiences are saying about The Normal Storyteller and his tales? "Your storytelling at TIBE (The Taiwan Book Fair) was a big success.  It was a full house, even the floor was packed with kids sitting around on the ground." Jerome Su, Owner of B.K. Norton's in Taipei, Taiwan, Founder of Bookman's Company in Taiwan "Your enthusiasm, the dialects, the humor, and the participatory nature of your stories made the night a hit!" David Leake, Coordinator for Staerkel Planetarium, Champaign, IL (Comments about Stories by Starlight Program) "In the midst of storms last night, we had to go to the basement.  Instead of being afraid, our sons were having a blast walking around singing songs like the river spirits from Anansi  in your CD!" John Leitzen, Businessman and Parent in Heyworth  (His sons are proud owners of all three of Dr. Lockett's CDs.) "His specialty is to focus on the folk tales of America, including dialects, unusual language patterns, and regional vocabularies.  The students were excited by his excellent presentations." "Pantagraph," Bloomington, IL "I remember your stories from Grant School in Chicago about ten years ago?" Bradley University Student in Peoria, IL  (remembering a tale a decade later) "Dr. Lockett is about the best story teller around." Kevin Curtain, Principal of Garfield School in Peoria, Illinois "My daughter listens to Dr. Lockett’s CD over and over.  I think she has every story memorized." Parent of a special education child in central Illinois at Tri-Valley Elementary School in Downs "My son goes to bed listening to Lockett’s stories every night." Terry Ludwig, Director Sound of Illinois Chorus, Bloomington, IL "Shhhhh!  Maybe if we’re quiet, he’ll tell us a story again tomorrow!" Overheard at Towanda School in Towanda, IL from a story loving student. "Dr. Lockett’s tales contained wonderful messages, required audience participation and the use of imagination.  Dr. Lockett shared interesting statistics and encouraging words with the parents regarding the importance of sharing time together and reading as a family." Alison TouVelle, Event Chairperson, Northmoor-Edison Primary School, Peoria, IL "I wasn’t doing ‘nothin’ wrong . . . I was only listening so I could tell my brother a story at home." (Middle school student in Chicago caught hiding out behind library shelves during a storytelling program) "Mr. Story, those were the best special effects I ever have seen!" Fourth grade student at Oakdale School in Normal, IL after storytelling assembly by Mr. Lockett - (before Doctorate Degree) Special Comments About Dr. Lockett's Programs From Principals and Other Administrators March 23, 2007 I have nothing but rave reviews!!!  I asked for a little feedback (from the staff) and received wonderful comments.  I only wish I could have been at more of the sessions.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I can't say enough how much our students learned and enjoyed your session.  The word is out and I hope you don't mind that I've sent your email address to XXX ~ they are interested in having just you come and do a presentation with their high school.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do as a follow-up to your time here.  I would be happy to be a reference for you.  Thanks," Amy Coffman, Assistant Principal Metcalf Lab School, Normal, IL November 29, 2006 "The students were completely enthralled and couldn't stop talking about your stories.  Even today, the students were recalling parts of the stories and songs they heard yesterday." Carmen Bergmann, Principal Carlock Elementary School, Carlock, IL June, 2006 "Our students enjoyed the stories for their educational benefit as well as the humor that was meshed within the stories.  Our staff was impressed enough to request them back for future assemlies." Kurt Swearingen, Principal Prairieland Elementary School, Normal, IL Spring, 2006 "Thank you for such a worthwhile and rewarding afternoon!" Scott Myers Principal Hudson Elementary November 2006 "The storytelling enticed and enchanted the students.  The children were actively listening and participating in the assembly." Sarah Edwards, Principal Towanda Elementary School, Towanda, IL June, 2000 "Mike's storytelling motivates students to read more because it makes books come alive in the students.  Students look at reading in a different light after hearing Dr. Lockett's stories." (Part of nomination for the 'Those Who Excel' in Education award for Illinois Administrators.  Dr. Lockett won the award as Administrator of the Year in Peoria in 2001 and won honors at the state level as a school administrator.) Dr. Maxine Wortham Executive director Early Childhood Programs, Peoria, IL From Librarians March 3, 2006 I wanted to thank you very much for the wonderful CD that you sent me....it has been very enjoyable  to listen to.  I have been playing it in the evening when I'm cooking dinner; my family has been coming into the kitchen and enjoying it with me! (Imagine 2 teenagers and a seven year old plus their father all gathered around the table so they can listen to the stories with me.) That definitely says something positive...you are a wonderful storyteller and easily catch the attention of others! I will definitely keep you in mind whenever the need arrives for a performer.  Thanks again! Lisa Davenport Carlinville Public Library, Carlinville, IL June 23, 2006 "Thank you for enchanting the Book Island Readers at Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library with stories from around the world.  You made the summer reading theme come alive for the children by discussing islands and involving them in the dialogue.  I watched the children's faces as you told the stories.  They were mesmerized by your voice and the expressions on your face.  Thanks for sharing your talent with us." Linda Schultz Youth Services Librarian, Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL From Teachers and College Instructors February 1, 2006 "The program last Wed. went above and beyond my expectations--and basic needs for the course.  Already, we've talked about storytelling and students have referenced methods of storytelling in their writing…." Julie Fraser Literature Instructor, Heartland Community College, Normal, IL 61761 June, 2000 "I have seen him (Dr. Lockett) have an entire gymnasium full of students 'in the palms of his hands.'  His presentations skillfully combine suspense, humor and anticipation.  I have never before seen an individual presenter mesmerize an entire student body for the length of time he is speaking.  (Regarding National Library Week program for approximateyl 325 at-risk middle school students) Carol P. Adams Sixth Grade Teacher, White Middle School, Peoria, IL From Parent/Family Programs June, 2007 "Mike, I enjoyed the recent Pantagraph article about your storytelling activities in your retirement.  It brought to mind that storytelling was a part of your teaching, as evidenced by our son Andy, who was a student of yours in his 4th grade year.  Andy would tell us from time to time how much he enjoyed your storytelling because it helped him to remember facts in the lesson.   Good luck in your "new" old endeavors." Judy Hirsch, Parent of former student and former school secretary April, 2002 "We thoroughly enjoyed your program!  It just can't be said enough!  You met all our expectations and went beyond.  The messages to our parents and teachers in between your stories helped tie our program into a great present for all those that attended.  It was a pleasure to host you." Rosie, Title I Coordinator for Freeport, Illinois Schools  From Respected Storytellers February, 2008 One of the things I love most about Mike is his way of drawing you into a tale.  He is an expert at building the suspense in a story up to a cymbal-crashing crescendo. He can also make the most serious of listeners double over in full-bellied laughter.  In addition, Mike builds in the element of participation into almost every tale he tells. The young and the young at heart are more than eager to jump in and play a part.  The real story often begins with the spark Mike ignites in the mind of his listener. ." Sadarri Saskill, from Sadarri and Company Award Winning International Storyteller and Recording Artist April, 2006 "I enjoyed every word of every story on your new CD and it let me travel to so many lands with my imagination.  A great talent - sharing story with the whole world." National Storyteller, Mary Jo Huff Indiana - (In response to listening to Tales from Around the World) February 21, 2006 "I consider myself a very 'picky' audience, and yet you captivated me from the very first story!  Your talents include seamless storytelling, a wonderful flair for voices and sound effects, and child-like enthusiasm that is downright infectious!" Sandy Silver, Storyteller Ventriloquist-Songstress - (In response to listening to Tales from the Hills) From Storytelling Conferences and Festivals August, 2007 Your wealth of knowledge helped make Spring into Training a huge success! Carrie Margis Illinois Trainers Network Project Assistant April 14, 2006 We received very good evaluations- averaged out at 9.89 out of 10 almost perfect- I am very happy to have received such a great score!!  You are so good for all ages!!  And that is proof!!  Thanks again for beginning the Rock Island Trail Storytelling Festival with such success- we did have a great day! Lorraine Stotts Children's Librarian, Peoria Heights Public Library March 30, 2007 The 2007 IRC Conference can be hailed as a success, and you were a part of the excellent programming.  Our attendance at the conference was over 2900.  We appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with fellow teachers and administrators. Arlene Pennie Executive Director, Illinois Reading Conference From Young Authors' Conferences April 23, 2007 TO:  Curriculum Council FROM:  Marti Kismer, Language Arts Consultant, Madison County ROE SUBJECT:  Dr. Mike Locket, Storyteller  ...The audience thoroughly enjoyed his sound effects, his dialects and his not-so-normal manner of telling stories.  At the end of his storytelling, he talked to the parents about the importance of reading to and with their children as well as being the role-model that our children of today so desperately need.  Please keep Dr. Mike Lockett in mind, if your district will be using a storyteller.  He’s one of the best I’ve heard. (Following Madison County Young Authors' Conference in Edwardsville, IL) From Workshop Participants March, 2002 "I truly enjoyed Dr. Lockett!  He was very inspirational and encouraging and uplifting, etc. etc. He really captures everyone!  Hois message and the way he presented it sent us out inspired and on our way!" Ann Joyce Educator (comment from program evaluation for Peoria County Educators' Professional Day, March 15, 2002 From Around the World August, 2007 "I had a great opportunity enjoying your storytelling training class which was held by east west books on August 5.  You are really an amazing and wonderful storyteller.  Thank you sooooooo much for what you have done to (for) Taiwan and to me.  I learned a lot and I tried to tell stories to my little boy... Please keep on what you are doing to (for) the children and parents in the world.  You are giving us a better world, and that's beautiful.  Thank you!" Winnie Chang Classroom Teacher and Parent (of 2 year old son) from Taipei, Taiwan (Comment based on series of storytelling workshops for East-West Book Company in Taiwan in July/August, 2007) February, 2007 Thank you , thank you, thank YOU!  It was my great honor to talk to you and learn from you during your visit (to Taiwan).  You have no ideas how touched I was when I was listening to your stories, watching you having fun and observing how you treated each person so nicely!  I know it takes a lot of love and belief to do what you did for us! Wendy Shyu Classroom Teacher/Educational Consultant for Scholastic Company, Taipei, Taiwan (Comment based on series of lectures/storytelling performances at five Taiwanese universities, Taiwan Elementary schools and Taipei Book Fair in January, 2007), January, 2007 "Dear Dr. Lockett, On behalf of the hundreds of students who had the privilege of hearing you share your wonderful stories today, thank you so much.  We a appreciate your time and energy in making oral tradition come alive." Rick Rabon Principal, Taipei American School