Leave them a beat.
Try this original practice line: “Something was scratching… inside the lunchbox.” Read it once straight through, then leave a beat after “scratching.” Ask what the listener pictured.
STORY STUDIO LIVE · SCHOOL & LIBRARY VISITS
Thirty minutes,
already planned.
Made together.
Hear C. J. McGuire read his whole picture-book story. Then try the character voices and give the author a direction. One ready-planned, 30-minute visit.
Free introductory Zoom workshop for a school or library group. No book purchase or classroom copies needed.
First, the whole story. Then, their turn.
The children try voices and direct C. J. in real time.
FOR THE PERSON DOING THE VOICES
Three ways to bring a story to life.
These are the small acting choices C. J. explores with the children. Try one in your next storytime, with any book.
Hand over a line.
Model “Suspicious. Very suspicious.” once. On its next appearance, pause and offer the listeners a turn. They can join, gesture or keep listening. It’s an invitation, not a test.
Change one thing.
Say “Who’s there?” as a sleepy bear, then as a curious mouse. Change pace or tone instead of simply getting louder. Ask which voice helped your partner imagine the character.
Keep sounds comfortable and optional. A whisper, a face or a small gesture can do the job.
The full story, then your turn.
C. J. reads his book from beginning to end, then shares the performance with the children. They can try a voice, offer a direction, point, gesture or watch first.
0–2 min · Hello and a playful warm-up
Meet C. J. and try a puzzled face, a sleepy voice or a tiny wave together. Joining in is always optional.
2–14 min · C. J. reads his whole book
A complete read-aloud, from the opening to the ending, with pictures, character voices and room to enjoy the surprises. The story is the centerpiece.
14–20 min · Try the character voices
Borrow a line from the book. C. J. shows how a pause, a feeling or a change of pace gives it a different sound. Children try it together or choose a voice for him.
20–27 min · You direct C. J.
Sleepy? Suspicious? Like a tiny mouse? The children give C. J. a direction for a line or moment from the story. He performs it, takes their next idea and tries again.
27–30 min · A question and a goodbye
A quick question, a shared goodbye, and an optional case-file or story-making activity to try afterward. Finish together: “Read it. Play it. Make it your own.”
Timing is a guide. C. J. keeps the full reading together and adjusts the games to fit the group and the 30-minute visit.
Your room, your readers.
For teachers
A shared experience for a class or grade, with speaking, listening and story sequencing to build on afterward. Make a tiny story afterward with an optional Story Studio workbook page; no printing is needed for the visit.
For librarians
A playful storytime program for early-elementary children and families. Caregivers can join the choices and voices. No writing, worksheet or prior reading is expected. Discuss mixed-age groups when requesting.
A little setup. Plenty of play.
- For Zoom: agree on a brief adult tech check before the 30-minute children’s session. You need a screen the group can see, speakers, a microphone and an internet connection. Agree on a simple way for C. J. to hear the room and take turns.
- Your host: a teacher or librarian stays present and manages participation. Small groups leave room for the children’s choices; this is a workshop, not a whole-school assembly.
- Before the visit: agree on ages, group size, format, access arrangements and any participation needs. No child details or individual accounts are needed.
- Every child gets a way in: speaking, drawing, directing, familiar signing or AAC, seated participation and passing are welcome. No compulsory solo voices, camera appearances or photography.
C. J. brings the complete program and sends optional take-home printable links ahead of time. The host does not need to invent a lesson, organize costumes or prepare a class performance. No printing is required for the workshop.
Choose the format that fits.
A free introductory 30-minute visit: the complete story, character voices and a turn directing C. J.
Request the free Zoom workshop →The same full read-aloud and performance games in a 30-minute visit. Location, travel, group size and fees are agreed in advance.
Ask about an in-person visit →A flexible video with an adult-led activity prompt, not a live two-way session. A storybook library, fireplace or classroom-style setting can be discussed.
Ask about a recording →Explore the workbook, activities and Werewolf companions whether or not you arrange a visit.
Browse the free educator shelf →Share the occasion, on your terms.
Discuss the host’s media permissions and no-photo arrangements while planning, not on arrival. Schools and libraries decide what may be photographed, recorded or published. C. J. does not record Zoom by default or collect children’s identifiable material. Backs of heads, classroom audio and children’s work are not automatic exceptions: agree on any capture with the host first. An approved photo of C. J. alone or non-identifying props can celebrate the occasion.
Optional school or library newsletter and social copy
Templates for after your event. Edit them to match what happened and use only approved photos. Press coverage is not promised.
Newsletter or local-paper draft
Young storytellers turn a read-aloud into a live Story Studio
Children at [SCHOOL OR LIBRARY] joined author and actor C. J. McGuire for Story Studio Live. C. J. read his complete picture-book story, then the children explored character voices and gave the actor directions for moments from the book.
Social caption
Our young storytellers did more than listen today. They directed the author! C. J. McGuire read his whole story, then our group tried character voices and told him how to perform a line. That’s Story Studio Live!