Anne Shimojima, Storyteller

Reviews for Hidden Memory: An American World War II Story are here.

 I never knew a story could have so much impact on me. – Seventh grader, Bell School, Chicago

When I told my mom the story about the crane, she had watery eyes. If you could have told it instead of me, she would have used a whole box of tissue. – Seventh grader, Bell School, Chicago

 Your stories make me relax and forget all my problems. – Fourth grader, Braeside School, IL 

 Our students and teachers were mesmerized during the two different presentations Anne did for my middle school. She was easy to work with, very kid friendly and understanding of the middle school audience, and she had the flexibility to cheerfully accommodate...and adhere to... our time slots.   The Hidden Memory presentation to seventh and eighth graders was powerful...you could hear a pin drop, and it sparked great questions from the students afterwards.  The World Folktales session for sixth grade - devoid of all technology and visuals -  was most enjoyable, and a rare treat for kids who are normally so connected to their 1:1 devices.  I would book Anne again in a heartbeat! - Barb Perley, Learning Center Director, Field Middle School, Northbrook, IL 

 Thank you for …the beautiful cloth that now reigns over my desk reminding me of the fierce gentleness of your performance and presence…It was a true example of genuine storytelling. As a young storyteller I loved the tale of the Crane Maiden. I have not heard it for many years. Your telling was stellar. - Laura Simms, storyteller and Artistic Director of the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Program in Central Park, 

 As you who know her work have witnessed, Anne is the Maserati of storytelling: sleek, no fat, smooth, takes you there without seeming effort, lots of power, elegant. – Jeff Gere, Director, Talk Story Storytelling Festival 

 Your name is frequently mentioned by people as a highlight of the festival. You are as wonderful at telling to seniors as to children – a rare combination.  – Mary Morgan Smith, Director, Three Rivers Storytelling Festival 

 Thank you for being absolutely amazing at the storytelling at the Prairie Center. Both of your stories rocked me heart and soul. What a gift you gave to me and everyone who listened. Many, many thanks. – Lucinda Flodin, Director, Storytelling at the Prairie Center 

 One of the most compelling storytellers to be heard anywhere, Anne Shimojima is mesmerizing! Like a gifted sculptor, Anne has a talent for cutting away all that is extraneous, leaving only the essential story in all its glistening beauty behind. – Rives Collins, McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence, Dept. of Theatre, Northwestern University 

 Anne is considered a “storyteller’s storyteller” by her colleagues in the Chicago storytelling community, for her simple, elegant style – always allowing the story to pass through her as a beautiful musical instrument creates the melody without distraction. – Jim May, author and storyteller 

 You have a great gift. – Betsy Hearne, Associate Professor, University of Illinois