Patricia Hruby Powell, author/storyteller/dancer, inspires students to express themselves, to write stories, and to READ.

Patricia danced throughout Europe and the Americas with her dance company One Plus One, then performed as an aerial dancer, worked in lithography, and as a librarian. Now Patricia tells stories throughout the United States and accents her tales for all ages with dance, worldwide percussion instruments, and life-like animal sounds. Her presentations involve audience participation and, of course, her books.

For 25 years, Patricia has been an Artist in Residence at many schools and organizations, sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, The Kennedy Center (Washington DC), the Detroit Art Institute, and the U.S. Information Agency, among others. Experienced as an entertaining keynote speaker, Patricia customizes her programs to meet the sponsor's needs. She lives in Champaign, Illinois.

PICTURE BOOKS:

Frog Brings Rain. Salina Bookshelf (2006) English/Navajo folktale
“…vibrantly glowing colors echo the richness of the retelling.”
--Kirkus Reviews, March 2006

awards:

Aesop Accolade 2006 – American Folklore Society
Spurs Storytelling Finalist 2007 – Western Writers of America
Lacapa Spirit Finalist – Illustration 2007

Zinnia: How the Corn Was Saved. Salina Bookshelf (2003) English/Navajo folktale
"A stunning work."
--School Library Journal, June 2004

nominated: Land of Enchantment Children’s Book 2006-07

Blossom Tales: Flower Stories of Many Folk Moon Mountain (2002)
"Very highly recommended. These the tales are filled with magic and whimsy."
--Midwest Book Review

Patricia has stories published in Cricket, Spider, Calliope, Storytelling Magazine, Storytelling World and others.

SELECTED PROGRAMS:

Folktales Across the Curriculum
Arabian Nights
Stories Out of Africa
Native American
Stories Circle the World
Love Your Mother . . . Earth

WORKSHOPS:

The Complete Story Maker
Leadership and Cooperation
Move Your Story Along
Storyboarding
Poetry Out Loud

Funding is available from the Illinois Arts Council.

“Patricia presented her delightful mix of storytelling, dance, and love of writing to our large diverse student body. She was warm engaging, comfortable and sincere in her dealings with both large group assemblies and with individuals — students and teachers. A year later, the students are still talking about her visit and asking when she'll return.”

- Barb Luther
Librarian, Central Primary School
Bloomfield, NM

Contact Information: