Reviews and Reactions

 

 

"I had heard about Harvey's abilities and sought him out at an event some months prior to our [Palmer School's 41^st Annual L.I. Storytelling] Festival and was so delighted with his performance, we booked on the spot." – Donald Wilson, Chair, Storytelling Festival, Director, School Library Media Program

 

 

"His calm matter-of-fact manner compliments the brilliance he has demonstrated time and time again during both small and large group performances...my students look forward to being gripped by his stories as the characters come alive through Harvey's engaging style and thought full choice of captivating tales...His expertise spans generations." – Louis P. Parrinello, principal, Miller Avenue Elementary School

 

 

 

"Harvey Heilbrun is a talented storyteller who has the ability to captivate audiences both young and old...His interest in the art of storytelling is apparent and his concerts will inspire listeners to experiment with telling their own tales." – Lori Blend, Head of Children's Services, North Shore Public Library

"Harvey's broad knowledge in science, genealogy, music (folk instruments in particular) and literature has always enabled him to enrich learning activities in the classroom...Harvey has always been a "pied piper" of sorts. Because of his music and storytelling skills, his sense of humor and infectious laughter...children naturally gravitate to him." – William Silver, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Killingly Public Schools, CT.

"As a professional storyteller, I find Harvey to be talented, knowledgeable, and well-prepared in his presentations...The delivery of his story programs is relaxed and entertaining for all ages. Audiences are immediately drawn to his tales through his mastery of music and voices."– Deborah Gurriere, Children's Librarian, East Cutchogue Elementary School

"I loved your show! Your stories told great life lessons, and your songs gave our children a boost of self-respect and courage. Your fondness and ability to connect with children shinned through. Thank you." – Nancy Addessi, PTA representative, Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School.

"This was cool!" – Brianna, aged 9, Charles E. Walters Elementary School.

"Great job today!  I enjoyed it." – Susan Walter, Kindergarten teacher, Briarcliff Elementary School

"The students loved hearing your stories and songs! It was wonderful!" – Carrie Fox, First grade teacher, Briarcliff Elementary School.

"I loved the storytelling assembly that you performed at Briarcliff during PARP week.  I thought the songs and the stories were terrific.  I especially loved the "bag of objects" that helped to remind you of your stories.  I think it tied into our first grade Writer's Workshop curriculum nicely.  It reminded me of our "memory boxes" from the "Small Moments" unit of study in our first grade Writer's Workshop.  We have the children bring in items from home that help to "inspire" them to write a story.  We begin with sharing a few of our "memory box" objects (the kids bring in a shoe box filled with a few special items).  I like to share my memory box with them first and tell them a story about each item as I hold it up.  The kids love to share their objects and tell you stories about them.  I let them keep the object on their tables as we write our stories off of their objects from home...they really love this. Thanks again for a great show!  - Ronnie :-)" – Ronnie Malave, First grade teacher, Briarcliff Elementary School

"HDH(as I always knew Harvey Heilbrun, even as a student) was the teacher who most impacted my life...I had him in fourth/fifth grades, and he saw in me a shy, outcast girl with a burning desire to learn and a lot of untapped creativity. HDH came up with various outlets for me...encouraging my own storytelling...As an adult I look back on HDH's methods and marvel at their creativity; along with storytelling and silly song singalongs he incorporated unorthodox musical instruments...HDH's performance-oriented, unorthodox teaching methods really reached a lot of kids. And in my case, I found his lessons stuck with me — I drew on them when developing my own management and teaching styles. They affected the way I work with my staff as a business owner as well as the way I mentor entrepreneurs via a series of lectures. HDH is undoubtedly one of the most creative and insightful people I have ever met." – Lara Kisielewska (former student)

" 'Nothing builds success like success!' Thank you for helping my students feel like successful storytellers." – Alice Steinbrecher, 2^nd grade teacher, Wading River Elementary School