Subject: Reading: Storytelling

The Storyteller Series: Finley Stewart

"Recommended. Storyteller Finley Stewart captures viewer's attention as he mixes excellent mimicry with humor and drama to retell treasured myths and legends." -School Library Journal
"Recommended. Each program offers attention-holding performances by Texas storyteller Finley Stewart." -Museumedia
Finley Stewart (1962 - 2003), after graduating from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, began his full-time career as a professional storyteller, traveling in the U.S. and internationally, telling stories at various schools, libraries, conferences, as well as a guest performer with the National Parks Service and the Smithsonian Institution. This award-winning storyteller served as Chair of the National Storytelling Association, helped found the Tejas Storytelling Association, and Texas Storytelling Festival at Civic Center Park in Denton. Filmed prior to his tragic death in a fire, this exclusive series offers the only performances filmed of this exceptional storyteller and captures the joy, enthusiasm and sensitivity he put into every story he told. Produced by Chip Taylor. Programs available on 3 or 8 individual DVDs, Digital Streaming Files or Videos; also in a 3-Disc Set. For pricing call in US: 800.876.2447/Intl. 603.434.9262 or e-mail

List of Titles

1. The Enchanted Rock

The Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome found in Llano, Texas. One of the largest batholiths in the United States, it is a National Natural Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In this program the Enchanted Rock is the setting for the fateful story of Ross and Anna. Told Click for more

2. Clara (Woody Guthrie's Sister)

People know Woody Guthrie as the singer and songwriter of such classic folk songs as This Land is Your Land. One story that most don't know about this famous folk musician is the tragic loss of his older sister, Clara, who died in a fire, an experience that certainly affected Woody the rest of his life. Click for more

Storyteller Strories 1 & 2

A combined version of 1. The Enchanted Rock and 2. Clara (Woody Guthrie's Sister), starring Finley Stewart, is available.
1. The Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome found in Llano, Texas. One of the largest batholiths in the United States, it is Click for more

3. Serena of the River

Storyteller Finley Stewart takes us back in time, into the Old West, to tell us a Native American legend about the young woman Serena who wants to marry so badly she makes an agreement with a magical fish; she learns, however, that a person can never buy or barter another's love. 2010/2E/CL PIJSCA 15 min. Click for more

4. The Star Stealer

Be prepared to laugh out loud and then be moved as storyteller Finley Stewart tells the wonderful legend of an old man who unintentionally steals all the stars from the sky and discovers he doesn't know how to put them back until a little boy shows him that a little love can be a powerful healer. 2010/2E/CL PIJSCA Click for more

5. The Sunflower Princess

Everyone loves to see big, beautiful sunflowers, but not everyone knows their secret. Here storyteller Finley Stewart tells us the tale of a Native American princess who is so intent to do as she pleases, she is banished from two kingdoms. In the end, however, we learn why the sunflower follows the sun. 2010/2E/CL Click for more

Storyteller Stories 3, 4, 5

A combined version of 3. Serena of the River; 4. The Star Stealer and 5. The Sunflower Princess, starring Finley Stewart, is available.
3. Serena of the River
Storyteller Finley Stewart takes us back in time, into the Old West, to tell us a Native American legend about the young Click for more

6. Why the Coyote Howls

Being from Texas, storyteller Finley Stewart knows a thing or two about coyotes. Here he tells a Native American folktale of a world, where animals work, talk, and draw pictures of themselves to make the constellations in the sky; well, that is all the animals except one crafty coyote, who tries to get out of doing Click for more

7. Why Turtles Don't Talk

Storyteller Finley Stewart loves to tell stories about animals that can make people laugh, which exactly is what he does in this very funny fable. Here he takes us back in time to introduce us to the world's-fastest-talking turtle to learn how turtles came to look as they do today - and too why they don't talk. 2010/2E/CL Click for more

8. The Little Man

It's not how long a story is that matters; it's the message of the story that's most important. So it is with this short story with a big message for young children. Here storyteller Finley Stewart tells a fable of a little man who comes to learn that good things do come in small "packages." 2010/2E/CL PIJSCA 5 min. Click for more

Storyteller Stories 6, 7, 8

A combined version of 6. Why the Coyote Howls; 7. Why Turtles Don't Talk and 8. The Little Man, starring Finley Stewart, is available.
6. Why the Coyote Howls
This is a Native American folktale of a world, where animals work, talk, and draw pictures of themselves to make the constellations Click for more