Scene 8 from Jack
Upcoming
Performances
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Storycard Theater® Product Line
Storycard Theater® kamishibai dramas
are printed on 12 sturdy, 13x9-5/8-inch cards. They’re
small enough to hold comfortably, yet large enough to showcase the
colorful artwork. The back of each card features clear, kid-tested
text and a smaller version of the image the audience is seeing.
| Storycards |
Momotaro
— the Peach Boy (LMA0001; $24.95)
Retold by Hazuki Kataoka
& David Battino; Art by Mario Uribe |
Sold Out |
The first printing of Momotaro is sold out. We are now working on the second edition, featuring bilingual text, new artwork, and numerous dramatic improvements based on our hundreds of live performances.
Click here to be notified when the new edition ships.
Need version 1? We may be able to locate a lightly used copy. Please write for details.
(Kamishibai) “Momotaro”
is one of the most famous Japanese folktales, teaching children the
virtues of courage, teamwork, and generosity in an exciting setting.
A boy mysteriously born from a gigantic peach grows up to be a courageous
yet kind-hearted young man. With the aid of three downtrodden animals,
he stands up for the poor people in his village, who have been oppressed
by a gang of greedy ogres. The Leaf Moon Arts version features joyful
color illustrations by Mario
Uribe, a noted California artist and enthusiastic scholar of Japanese
art and culture. 12 cards (24 pages)
   (Click to enlarge)
BONUS! Download free Japanese translation: simplified
text | full
text (PDF)
Jack &
the Beanstalk (LMA0002; $24.95)
Retold by Hazuki Kataoka & David Battino;
Art by Kazumi Verkler |
|
(Kamishibai) The
story of Jack — the poor boy who climbs a magic beanstalk to
a wicked giant’s castle and returns with a golden harp and hen
— reflects humanity’s ancient fascination with touching
the sky. (The first printed version appeared in the 1700s.) In most
versions, though, Jack is portrayed as a sneaky thief, even returning
multiple times to steal more treasure. The Leaf Moon Arts retelling
of this classic tale follows one of the lesser-known storylines, presenting
Jack as a compassionate figure who rescues the repressed harp and
hen from the cruel giant. Kazumi Verkler’s gentle illustrations
add a warm, friendly atmosphere. 12 cards (24 pages)
   (Click to enlarge)
BONUS! Download free Japanese translation: simplified
text | full
text (PDF)
(Kamishibai) The Moon Princess is based on one of the oldest written tales in Japan, dating back more than a thousand years. (It’s also known as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.) A baby girl magically born from a stalk of bamboo grows into a shining beauty. She cleverly outwits all the men who want to marry her before revealing her big secret and floating off to the moon. The story is a wonderful departure from the typical “helpless princess in a tower” tale, and full of fascinating symbolism and historical imagery. Kazumi Verkler’s beautiful illustrations incorporate authentic kimono patterns. 12 cards (24 pages); bilingual English/Japanese
   (Click to enlarge)
(Kamishibai) This classic Russian folktale has parallels in Japanese and Indian folklore as well. An adoring old couple concocts increasingly silly names for its kitten before stumbling on the perfect one. Nina Khashchina’s playful watercolor paintings delight audiences young and old, and the interactive text keeps kids guessing up till the final card. Simple, short sentences are ideal for audiences as young as 2 years old. 8 cards (16 pages); bilingual English/Russian
   (Click to enlarge)
BONUS! Hear author Nina Khashchina  pronounce the Russian words (MP3).
Storyteller
Starter Kit (LMA1002; $120)
Everything you need in one box! |
|
(Kamishibai Stage &
Cards) Buy two popular storycard sets
and the Presentation Frame together and save! Our Storyteller
Starter Kit includes The Moon Princess (LMA0003), Jack & the Beanstalk (LMA0002), two clapping sticks, and our handmade Presentation
Frame (LMA1001).
 (Click to enlarge)
| Accessories |
Presentation
Frame (LMA1001; $70)
Designed by Ken Hata |
|
(Kamishibai Stage) Handmade here in California, the Storycard Theater Presentation
Frame creates an elegant stage for your storytelling. Our unique design is built
of durable oak, yet remains light and compact enough to carry anywhere. A clever fold-out foot lets you stand the
frame on a table, freeing your hands for performance gestures. Dimensions: 13-1/2 x 16-1/2 inches
  (Click to enlarge)
Thunder
Tube (LMA1003; $12)
Add drama to your performance |
|
(Percussion Instrument) It
never fails. After every performance, the first thing kids and grownups
alike want to do is try the small percussion instrument we use for
sound effects. The Remo Thunder Tube is 2-1/2" in
diameter by 7" long and has a tightly coiled spring embedded in the drum head at one end. Shaking it produces a rumbling thunder sound (we also use this to evoke Jack’s grumbling stomach!). Scraping or tapping the spring produces sharper sounds.
 (Click to enlarge)
Clapping Sticks (LMA1004; $7.50)
Grab your audience’s attention |
|
(Percussion Instrument) The original kamishibai street performers gathered audiences by banging together two foot-long chunks of wood called hyoshigi (clapping sticks). In Japan, the sound of hyoshigi was like the bell of the ice cream man in the West — children rushed out to buy treats and hear stories. For their portability and clear tone, we prefer these hardwood claves. (Kids in the audience love to clap these too.) We also use these claves as props, pantomiming Jack’s ax in Jack & the Beanstalk and the chief ogre’s horns in Momotaro.
 (Click to enlarge)
| History & Performance |
Kamishibai Man (LMA1004; $15.95)
Bring history to life |
|
(Book) Caldecott winner Allen Say tells the moving story of a kamishibai performer who comes out of retirement to delight a new generation. We often take this book along on our own performances to show the audience, and we encourage teachers to read it with their classes before our author visits. The illustrations are warm yet detailed; you get a good sense of what it must have been like to watch the original kamishibai men, back in the days before TV. 32 pages, hardcover
 (Click to enlarge)
How to Perform Kamishibai:
Q&A (LMA1005; $14.95)
Insight from a master storyteller |
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(Book) Renowned kamishibai author and illustrator Noriko Matsui (Grow, Grow, Grow…Bigger!) shares a lifetime of tips in this easy-to-read, cheerfully illustrated handbook. Written in question-and-answer format, How to Perform Kamishibai guides you through the process of choosing stories, setting up a performance space, and interacting with your audience. Beginning performers will gain extensive practical information, while advanced performers will pick up historical and philosophical insights.
96 pages, softcover
  (Click to enlarge)
| Bev Bos Education Books |
Together We’re Better: Establishing a Coactive Learning Environment (LMA1006; $17.95)
By Bev Bos |
|
(Book) This book, by acclaimed educator (and Storycard Theater user) Bev Bos, glows with the warmth of the author’s love for children. Drawing on international research and her extensive experience, Bos explains how to encourage the socialization of young children. Features activities, photos, diagrams, and an annotated list of resources. 175 pages, softcover
 (Click to enlarge)
Don’t Move the Muffin Tins: A Hands-Off Guide to Art for the Young Child (LMA1007; $7.50)
By Bev Bos |
|
(Book) This classic book by educator (and Storycard Theater user) Bev Bos has inspired parents and teachers since 1978. Paper, paint, crayons, printing, collages, sculpture . . . Bos presents a panoply of simple, satisfying activities designed to encourage creativity. “Observing the joy of the children at our school as they create has made me want that joy for all children,” she writes. “This book is not just for the chronological child. It’s for the creative child who needs to be nurtured and cared for in all of us.” 88 pages, softcover
 (Click to enlarge)
Tumbling over the Edge: A Rant for Children’s Play (LMA1008; $24.95)
By Bev Bos & Jenny Chapman |
|
(CD-ROM) Whether you’re a parent, teacher, school administrator, or student of education, you will benefit from Bos and Chapman’s years of practical experience, insight, and wisdom. Tumbling Over the Edge is timely and compelling in its demand that we re-examine how we are choosing to raise our young children. 173-page PDF book on CD-ROM
   (Click to enlarge)
Shipping and Payment
To save you money, we ship via Media Mail (1–2 weeks) or FedEx Ground (3–5 days), whichever costs less. If you need faster delivery, please e-mail us for a quote.
Order Total |
U.S. Shipping Rate |
Payment Options |
up to $24.95 |
$4 |
|
$24.96–49.90 |
$5 |
$49.91–74.85 |
$6 |
$74.86–99.80 |
$9 |
$99.81 and over |
$11 |
| International shipping starts at $20 and is based on weight. Add items to shopping cart to see exact price. |
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