Storytelling with Children

05/20/2026

This past Sunday, May 17, we held the first Storytelling with Children Festival in Central New York. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Festival such a beautiful day in honor of Dr. Alan Goldberg.

It was wonderful to see the MOST (Museum of Science & Technology) filled with families, kids, and community members enjoying a day of stories, imagination, and connection. The day began with a sold-out live taping of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest with bestselling author Adam Gidwitz, with families traveling from Central New York and beyond to be part of it.

Families also enjoyed a full lineup of storytellers and artists throughout the day, followed by a Book Signing with Adam Gidwitz and ending with an evening panel discussion at Parthenon Books on the "Art & Industry of Storytelling."

One attendee shared that the festival was “a fantastic event, enjoyable for kids and parents alike.”

The full day of programming was a joyful tribute to Dr. Goldberg’s love of education, community, and the stories that help us understand one another.

Thank You to our sponsors, storytellers, artists, volunteers, partners, attendees, and everyone who helped bring this day to life.

05/17/2026

Adam Gidwitz book signing starts at 3 pm at Parthenon Books Syr ! Bring your books and get them signed or pick up a new one!!

05/15/2026

Thank you to our literacy partners!

We’re grateful to welcome The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga, Imagination Library, Light a Candle for Literacy, and the Syracuse City School District Adult Education Program, PJ Library and the Onondaga County Central Library to the Storytelling with Children Festival this Sunday, May 17.

These wonderful organizations help support literacy, learning, and a love of reading in our community. Be sure to stop by their tables during the festival to say hello, learn more about their work, and discover helpful resources for children and families.

We’re so thankful to have them as part of this special day!

05/15/2026

We're pumped to welcome everyone to the Storytelling with Children Festival in just 2 days! Check out the full schedule of storytellers, activities, and organizations that'll be joining us on May 17 at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST

For more details and storyteller bios, visit www.storytellingwithchildren.org

05/14/2026

Check out this interview on Bridge Street on NewsChannel 9 with Hanah Ehrenreich, our Storytelling with Children Festival organizer, and Christine Darrow, host of the PBS show Christine the History Queen and one of the storytellers joining us this Sunday, May 17, at Museum of Science & Technology - MOST

Together, they talk about the importance of storytelling.

https://www.localsyr.com/video/storytelling-with-kids-at-the-most/11784494

(WSYR-TV) — Storytelling may be our earliest art and The MOST is hoping to spark imagination this weekend by hosting a day of storytelling with children, featuring master storyteller Adam Gid…

05/13/2026

Some storytellers make us think a little differently about the world.

Meet Paul Solyn, an ordained Maggid, a Jewish storyteller and educator. Paul uses stories to help kids and families explore big ideas, like how our choices matter, how we care for one another, and how we take care of the world around us.

Paul has a Master’s in Jewish Education, a graduate certificate in eco-spirituality, and was ordained through the Reclaiming Judaism Institute. He is also the Director of the Jewish Center & Federation of the Twin Tiers, based in Elmira.

We’re excited to welcome Paul to the Storytelling with Children Festival this Sunday, May 17 at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST

05/13/2026

We're excited to welcome the Narratio Fellows to the Storytelling with Children Festival!

The Narratio Fellowship supports the creativity of resettled refugee youth as artistic storytellers. It is a collaboration between Syracuse University’s Engaged Humanities Network, the North Side Learning Center, and Narratio.org, a multimedia platform that amplifies the voices of young refugees worldwide. The Syracuse students in each yearly cohort pursue interests in poetry, film, or photography to explore the power of personal storytelling. As they exchange and discuss their creative ideas, they also forge friendships and build community.

Hear their stories this Sunday, May 17 at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST!

05/12/2026

LIVE TAPING TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist: https://tinyurl.com/gidwitzwaitlist

As a reminder, tickets are not required for the Storytelling with Children festival. Join us on May 17 at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST, we have many incredible storytellers and activities lined up!

05/11/2026

A magical tree, three brave children, and a story told in both Spanish and English.

We’re excited to introduce Nanette Perez, a bilingual storyteller who will share “The Brightheart Guardians” at the Storytelling with Children Festival.

The story follows three children, each facing something challenging, and a magical tree from another galaxy that helps them navigate their emotions and discover their own strength.

Nanette will tell the story in Spanish, with Isandra Acosta sharing it in English. Stephanie Ravelo will also help bring the story to life.

Nanette will also be part of the panel discussion “The Art & Industry of Storytelling” at Parthenon Books Syr.

Join us THIS Sunday, May 17 at Museum of Science & Technology - MOST to meet Nanette, Isandra, and Stephanie!

05/08/2026

There are so many beautiful ways to tell a story.

At the Storytelling with Children Festival, families will get to experience fairy tales told in American Sign Language (ASL) by Deaf storytellers Kelley Cooper and Grace Cogan, with their stories voiced by an ASL interpreter from Aurora of CNY.

Kelley Cooper is the Director of Deaf Services at AURORA of Central New York and is a Deaf storyteller with the Aurora's Bedtime Book series project. Kelley brings stories to life in American Sign Language through signs and facial expressions.

Grace Cogan is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of teaching experience across various universities, colleges, and community programs. Throughout her extensive career, she has remained committed to fostering a deep appreciation for ASL in diverse learning environments.

Grace’s teaching philosophy centers on bringing ASL to life through its unique visual power. She is passionate about showcasing the inherent beauty of the language, emphasizing the vital role that facial expressions and body movements play in authentic communication. By bridging the gap between technical skill and expressive storytelling, Grace helps her students connect with the linguistic and cultural richness of the Deaf community.

Meet Kelley and Grace at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST on May 17th!!