Nili Yelin is a storyteller--part-time for kids and part-time for adults. A graduate of the Northwestern University theatre school, Nili spent twelve years in New York as a working actress in theater, film and television. She was a writer and performer for MTV Networks, appeared regularly on Saturday Night Live and performed her own original stand-up comedy in clubs throughout the East Coast.
Since coming to Chicago, Nili has combined her love of children and literature to create The Storybook Mom and encourage children to develop their imagination through interactive storytelling, crafts and dance. She also does voice-overs for commercials and industrials for a variety of clients including Mercedes Benz, Sears and Advocate Healthcare. Nili recently joined with the Crown Family Play Lab at the Field Museum to do special events and is the narrator on the Field Museum's children's podcasts.
For more information about the Storybook Mom:
www.thestorybookmom.com
Nili Yelin hosts story hour every Friday, at 11 a.m., at The Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Avenue, at Giddings Street. For more information: (773) 293-2665 or bookcellarinc.com
She is doing a Comedy Show for Moms called The Secret Lives of Moms at The Wilmette Theatre Thursday May 6th.
She will be hosting the Kids Stage at the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest on Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13th.
Nili's Storytelling Tips:
Shake, Rattle, and Read
Before you begin a book, tell your child to stand up and wiggle around. It engages the senses and shakes out the sillies so he can focus on the story.
Say No to Monotone
Play with volume (loud whispers build suspense), pause, speed up, or slow down to accent the action. Make a lovable character sound like a grandmother and a villain sound like a lion or tiger.
Encourage Imagination
Ask your child to look at the cover and guess what the story is about. Before you finish the tale, prompt him to imagine different endings.
Make It Interactive
Invent a magic word; when it comes up, have your kid clap his hands or freeze. Get him to say aloud the phrases repeated throughout the book. It all sharpens attention to detail.
Oh, the places you'll go.
Since coming to Chicago, Nili has combined her love of children and literature to create The Storybook Mom and encourage children to develop their imagination through interactive storytelling, crafts and dance. She also does voice-overs for commercials and industrials for a variety of clients including Mercedes Benz, Sears and Advocate Healthcare. Nili recently joined with the Crown Family Play Lab at the Field Museum to do special events and is the narrator on the Field Museum's children's podcasts.
For more information about the Storybook Mom:
www.thestorybookmom.com
Nili Yelin hosts story hour every Friday, at 11 a.m., at The Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Avenue, at Giddings Street. For more information: (773) 293-2665 or bookcellarinc.com
She is doing a Comedy Show for Moms called The Secret Lives of Moms at The Wilmette Theatre Thursday May 6th.
She will be hosting the Kids Stage at the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest on Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13th.
Nili's Storytelling Tips:
Shake, Rattle, and Read
Before you begin a book, tell your child to stand up and wiggle around. It engages the senses and shakes out the sillies so he can focus on the story.
Say No to Monotone
Play with volume (loud whispers build suspense), pause, speed up, or slow down to accent the action. Make a lovable character sound like a grandmother and a villain sound like a lion or tiger.
Encourage Imagination
Ask your child to look at the cover and guess what the story is about. Before you finish the tale, prompt him to imagine different endings.
Make It Interactive
Invent a magic word; when it comes up, have your kid clap his hands or freeze. Get him to say aloud the phrases repeated throughout the book. It all sharpens attention to detail.
Oh, the places you'll go.
