Being a substitute storyteller is an adventure!

People get used to the same storyteller. Each storyteller is different. People want their very own special storyteller every time they go to a story time.  Sometimes though a story teller has to be gone for a trip or illness. When that happens the program may be canceled or there might be a substitute.

I’ve heard that people do not like a substitute. Still I do substitute whenever I’m asked and can fit it in my schedule. Each time I ask if the storyteller has anything special they do. I enjoy finding out what special touches they bring into story programs. Each time I ask about the expected audience as well. This information helps me craft the best programs I can.

Not long ago I was hired to be a storyteller’s substitute. The gig was for a library with a good-sized regular audience of around 200 babies, children and adults. Knowing that they would want the storyteller they were used to, I hoped to still make them laugh and participate.  I hoped to make them forget that the regular teller wasn’t there that day and simply enjoy the moments we made together.

I prepared carefully for the program and hoped for the best.  The program was longer than usual, forty-five minutes rather than thirty. I worked all the magic I could; as I always do, for each program.

When the program was over, I was surprised by how many came up to me and told me how much they enjoyed the program. Little kids barely able to speak to grandparents treating the young ones, I heard nothing but glowing remarks.  I was prepared for the worst but I got the best surprise!  Now I can’t wait to substitute again and again!