

Michael uses story, song, dance, instruments and a cast of humorous & dramatic characters to present "a dynamic and powerful performance" (Librarian, Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield, Connecticut). His programs on Earth stewardship & cultural diversity—and his residencies on storytelling, indigenous cultures & the environment—weave together the arts, social studies, science, language, music & dance. He has recorded two storytelling CD's of traditional tales from around the world: THE RAINBOW GARDEN: TALES OF WISDOM (ages 5-10) and THE WISDOM OF NATURE AND OTHER EARTH TALES (ages 11 to adult). Co-author KEEPERS OF THE EARTH®; author of EARTH TALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD; CATCH THE WIND, HARNESS THE SUN, NATIVE AMERICAN GARDENING and THROUGH A NATURALIST’S EYES: EXPLORING THE NATURE OF NEW ENGLAND. Michael's latest book—THE GARDEN OF WISDOM: EARTH TALES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST—was nominated for the Middle East Book Award and has received the Brimstone Award (for applied storytelling) and a Storytelling World Award from the National Storytelling Network. Other awards include: RIF (Reading is fundamental) Multicultural Book Award, Aesop Prize, Teachers Choice Award, NAPPA Gold, Storytelling World Award, Green Earth Honor Book Award & New England Environmental Educator Award. Sample programs: Keepers of the Earth; Flying Turtles & Talking Bears; Kids’ Power: Renewable Energy for Today’s Kids; Earth Tales Around the World; Native American Thanksgivings; Rainbow Garden: Celebrating Cultural Diversity; Native American Games; Moths & Monsters, Bats & Bones. "The best program we've ever had." Teacher, Bernardston, Mass.