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"Bill Harley has the uncanny ability to reaffirm life for listeners, be they five or fifty. Humor, empathy, intelligence and reality all radiate from his work and from him." - Penguin Books A Grammy award winning artist, Bill uses song and story paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist. With these considerable talents, Bill considers his real work to be using these skills to encourage his audience to see the world anew and to experience "live art", to honor the emotional lives of children and adults and finally, to pass along a love of language and music. "Bill Harley takes his life and turns it into art. Sounds simple until you actually try to do it. That Harley's art seems so effortless only underscore his mastery." - Nuvo Newsweekly Praise for Teachers' Lounge: 'Singer, storyteller, and author Bill Harley's hallmark is his ability to transform the tiniest childhood traumas into full-length comedy routines. In his signature style, half confidential, half kidding, Harley once again proves that being a kid is no easy task. Booklist 'The CD makes me want to giggle. I like it when Warren makes all the funny noises. The poems are good. My favorite is 'The Teachers' Lounge' Thanks' Charlie (age 12) 'I know how it feels to have a last name cursed by alphabetical order. It's really funny and I enjoy listening to it through my brother's door (he listens to it at bedtime). The poems are artful and well written. My favorite is 'The Teachers' Lounge' too. Thanks' Harry (age 15) 'Our family has been Bill Harley fans for years. We have seen him perform live on two occasions. My 11 year old daughter and I listened to 'The Teachers' Lounge' this weekend in the car on a long drive into the city. I think this is his finest work so far. We smiled, we laughed, we came close to some sympathetic tears, and we learned about ourselves. We are already looking forward to his next work.' Liza 'I've already played the CD several times. The stories and poems are excellent. What I enjoy most about Bill Harley's stories (these new ones as well as all the others that I have), is that they bring back so many funny (and happy) memories of growing up. In today's world, with so much sad or negative news and stories, it's really a joy to listen to Bill's stories - if only for a short time, you can be transported to a kinder gentler peaceful happy place. It's interesting, somehow Bill Harley is able to make stories that convey humor to both young and old, and now and then convey a life lesson as well. It's an amazing gift, and he uses it well. I look forward with anticipation to what he comes up with next. Keep up the good work' BJ 'My daughter punched it into the CD player as soon as it arrived. We all enjoyed it and started it over again when it was done.' Carol If your family hasn't heard Harley tell a story, you're in for a real treat. He has a wonderful knack for taking a true story and stretching it just a wee bit, thus creating a highly entertaining and amusing tale. He looks at a situation through the eyes of a child and bases the stories on his impeccable observations. Harley's laid-back, conversational style transports the listener to a front porch where a pal is telling the stories of his daily adventures. His fast-paced emotive telling is sure to draw listeners in and keep them wanting more. This recording is a great way to introduce older children to the tricky art of telling or writing an experience story that maintains attention without manufacturing unbelievable details. Chicago Parent Magazine.