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June Barnes-Rowley, known as jb, has always been a storyteller. She creates delightful fantasy through story. Children respond immediately to her energetic and fun performances. jb uses colourful visuals such as fabric and fairy dust to create wonderful worlds for young children who are also fascinated by her clapping sticks that stir sounds of the Dreamtime. Her performances for children focus on fun, action and interaction!

 jb is founder of swag of yarns, Australia’s National Storytelling Magazine, a member of The Storytelling Guild of Australia (Vic. Branch) and is featured on the guild’s audiotape, Mystery and Mayhem.

As well as being a storyteller, June is an experienced educator with ESOL qualifications and is a trained Parent-Child Mother Goose teacher.

 jb has extensive experience in storytelling with children and adults in Australia and overseas.

She has told at many venues including kindergartens, schools, libraries, community centres, bookstores, Government House and ABC Radio. She has entertained children with her storytelling at a variety of festivals including Moomba.

At the Gold ‘n’ Grape Festival  in 1997 she won first prize in the storytelling contest.

 jb is also the author of a non-fiction novel called Whisper My Secret.

 Where?

jb will travel anywhere in metropolitan Melbourne and to country areas.

Testimonials

Beautiful storytelling from JB!  Her voice was so soothing and she engaged us all. Kathryn Foley, Nyah West and District Kindergarten

 The children enjoyed the stories.  All the children were totally engaged from the first to last minute.  They enjoyed the opportunity to join in with the storytelling. Catherine Smith, Wahroonga Pre-School & Ivanhoe Uniting Church Kindergarten

 JB was welcoming, engaging and delightful.  Mix this with an understanding and sensitivity to the young children and it’s a good mix.The stories were age appropriate.  There was a heap of fun and laughter. Sonia Solomon, East Ivanhoe Pre-School

Programs

Pre-Schools

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

Pre–Schools

0-3 yo                                                                             0-2yrs 10 min, 2-3yrs 20min

Stories and Rhymes with visuals the children will enjoy.          

3-5 yo                                                                             30 or 45 minutes

Australian Animals

Stories about various Australian animals. Lots of interaction and visuals.

 Dinosaurs and Fairies

Stories with fantastic creatures to make little eyes big! Education, fantasy and fun!

 Deep Sea Dreaming

Stories of the sea creatures from Australia’s coastline.  Education and fun! Use of puppets and fabric create colourful visuals.

 Peace and Harmony

A popular program with stories that develop awareness of friendship and sharing. 

 Happy Halloween

A friendly introduction to the ‘monsters’ of Halloween.

 Worms and Wrigglies

Stories about worms and bugs with fun, magic and participation.

Storyteller Selection

jb will tailor a presentation with a particular focus after discussion with the teacher.

 Christmas Parcel

Stories of Christmas to delight and enchant.

Primary Schools

All Programs  45-60 minutes

P – 6  45 or 60 minutes

Australian Animals

Stories about the amazing and unique Australian animals that weave fiction and fact to entertain and educate.

Includes a Dreamtime story.               

Fairy tales and folktales

Eternal favourites that are sure to delight young audiences.

 Myths and Legends

Myths and Legends from the Greek, Indian and European tradition. Choice of tales can be made after discussion with the teacher or at jb's discretion.

 Special Selection

jb will tailor a presentation with a particular focus after discussion with the teacher.

Australian History (NEW Program)

Stories weave their magic to bring Australia’s history and heroes to life.  This program can be adapted to suit study needs.

Secondary Schools

All Year Levels      60 minutes

Myths and Legends

Stirring tales from long ago told in their traditional oral format sure to fire the student’s interest and imagination.  A specific program according to teachers’ requirements can be arranged.

 Tailor Made

Presentation of stories designed to specific needs after discussion with the teacher.  This presentation includes a little discussion and a little fun as well!