At a March Into Literacy Month event Monica Peterson dazzled students with Celtic and American period attire, an array of accents, a variety of voices, and fun audience interaction with quite an interesting collection of characters from Celtic folklore - leprechauns, fairies & giants. Monica captivated our kids during the story with props, puppetry and pictures. A playful probing of the audience allowed them to engage with the story on a more personal level. Our students certainly gained new perspective on how fun stories can be. They had the opportunity to engage with fun characters, and explore new places through text. This storytelling experience sparked ideas of ways to be more involved at home with reading. Our kids had a barrel of laughs with the silly shenanigans of the Leprechauns.

Exclamatory gasps passed their [students] lips in suspense as Sybil’s Midnight Ride builds to a head in the show Our Founding Mothers. The children found the performance fun and thought provoking and hands were raised with a whirlwind of new thoughts, connections and questions about the characters that Monica introduced them to today. I am a satisfied client. We look forward to the next time our students can have fun with Monica Peterson.

We hosted Monica on 10/19/22 for her program "An Evening with My Grandparents" and she was fantastic! The audience loved her and we were so pleased. This program was the perfect way to celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month.

Here is just a sampling of the patron comments I received last night about the event:
"That was by far one of the best programs you've hosted so far."
"She was excellent! Her stories brought back memories of my own Italian family."
"She is an incredible storyteller! Thank you so much for hosting her at your library."

We'd love to have her back on some point. She is superb, funny, animated, and touching. I would definitely recommend her to any programming librarian.

I just wanted to say that I thought the Reciprocity Luncheon was a huge success. I have to say the highlight of the day was Monica Peterson!! She was terrific, and had a wonderful sense of humor!

I was part of the planning committee for a luncheon where Monica Peterson recently performed. Monica's rendition of "The Ghost Ship of New Haven" was not only delightful but informative as well. Dressed in a costume of the time, she held her audience captive. I heard good things about her presentation from those in attendance at the luncheon.

I am thrilled that she was able to share her "storytelling" with all in attendance.

Your magnificent performance captured the life of Mary, a very young immigrant to the U.S. from Ireland during the time of the Potato Famine. Mrs. Monica Peterson played Mary with great passion and captivated the attention of our 8 and 9 years old throughout the performance with her spectacular storytelling skills as well as her keen, interactive questioning of the students to ensure their understanding of the story.

Thank you for your tremendous performance of “An Immigrant’s Story” to our third grade students in May.

The children were so impressed with your performance as evidenced by their letters, and were able to compare it to their own families’ experiences immigrating to the United States of America from various countries. Your lively, interactive performance definitely prepared the students very well for their final Social Studies Unit of Study of the year, U.S. Immigration in the Early 20th Century.

A big thank you for your wonderful program. And truly, what a great storyteller you are. The tales you shared were fascinating.

Monica was our "main event" at our Annual Literacy Night. She captured the attention of all ages from Kindergarten to Grade Five AND even their parents. Her performance was an engaging connection to literature; full of fun props and acting that made the stories come to life. We would definitely invite her back again!

I am writing to express our complete enjoyment during the Tales of New England presentation you did for our seniors.  They are still commentating about it , describing it in detail, and wishing it were longer.  An over all great performance. 

Patrons at the Torrington Library thoroughly enjoyed Monica’s presentation of “Tales of New England”. They were captivated by her storytelling, period costume, and overall execution of this splendid performance. They keep asking when she will return! It’s a great program for libraries at any time of year!  

Monica's dynamic approach to telling stories while incorporating history made this evening a very special event for young and old alike, and I highly recommend her.  

A terrific talent who kept a large audience fully engaged, stimulated, and asking for more.  Monica perfectly combines information and entertainment.  She presided over one of our best-attended programs ever.  

I was right there in 1664 with her and the heroes of that time! Afterwards, my son got in the car and retold the tales! We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. 

A Great Performance!

Monica captivates audiences with her contagious love of folklore and folly…she draws young and old listeners alike into the story, holding their attention and delighting their imagination.

Once there was a raven-haired woman whose golden tongue could charm the birds from the skies… Children and grandparents who heard her speak jumped to their feet in joy.

Her colleagues look to her as a resource of creative and exciting ways to engage students in the learning process.

When parents were informed that their child had been placed her class for the school year, they were thrilled.

Mrs. Peterson is a talented storyteller and has used this forum to engage students in learning about historical events as well as great literature.  She has used costume to provide reference and authentic learning, as well as entertainment.  Mrs. Peterson involved the students and inspired [them] to understand their roles and responsibilities in terms of taking action to make a difference.

Monica has been telling/sharing stories with our kindergartners for years!  Each year I notice the children enjoy them more and more!  With common core and the high demands of teaching, there isn't much free time in our daily schedule.  However, I always made time for Monica's storytelling as I knew that the children would benefit greatly from it.  All of Monica's stories have a deeper meaning behind them and an underlying important message.  Each story Monica would share would leave my students thinking deeper and asking questions that would always turn into a great conversation and inspiration for writing.  Monica's enthusiasm is contagious especially among a room of 4 and 5 year olds!  Monica always had a way of grabbing the attention of 150 children in one room at one time and keeping them entertained, which is not easy!

Monica Peterson is amazing!!!! As a parent and part of the PTO at Toquam Magnet Elementary School, I have seen Monica work her magic.  She has an amazing way to engage kids and adults in the story by making it come to life.   You get so involved in the story that you don’t want it to end. Kids get inspired and want to read! I have seen her work with small groups and with big groups. She always amazes me!

Mrs. Peterson is a fantastic storyteller! She manages to keep children engaged and wanting more. It is always a special treat when we get a performance from her.