Martha Hamilton

Hamilton and Weiss extend the rich tradition of storytelling to new generations by adapting world folktales with an emphasis on accessibility and authenticity. Through their collaborative approach, they delve into multiple versions of traditional stories, rewriting them individually before merging their efforts to create concise and engaging tales. This method ensures that their works are not only enjoyable for children but also educational, as their conversational style allows young readers to easily comprehend and retell the stories. This dynamic is evident in their book "Children Tell Stories: Teaching and Using Storytelling in the Classroom," which has been recognized for its innovative approach to teaching storytelling.\n\nFocusing on lesser-known tales, Hamilton and Weiss seek out stories that have not been widely shared in mainstream culture, thus enriching the children's literature landscape with fresh narratives. Their titles, such as "Noodlehead Stories" and "Stolen Smell" from Peru, are crafted to inspire children to feel comfortable sharing stories with peers, thereby fostering a love for reading and storytelling. As part of the "Beauty and the Beast Storytellers" team, their work resonates with parents and educators looking to ignite a passion for literature in young audiences.\n\nBeyond the pages of their books, Hamilton's work has been acknowledged through awards like the Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award, underscoring the impact of their contributions to children's literature. Her background as a librarian equips her with the research skills necessary to locate and adapt these stories, ensuring they remain both true to their origins and appealing to modern readers. Therefore, their storytelling efforts provide a valuable resource for those eager to engage children with the power of narrative.