Teller’s book in running for award

Published 8:12 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A favorite quote of author Kevin Kling is, “God made people because He wanted an endless supply of stories.”

Kling must believe that because the author/playwright/storyteller has a seemingly endless supply of stories of his own.

Last week, Kling’s book, “Holiday Inn” was named a finalist for the Minnesota Book Awards. Monday afternoon representatives from the Brundidge Historical Society’s storytelling committee presented a copy of “Holiday Inn” to the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library in Brundidge.

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Kling was a featured teller at the 2010 Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival sponsored by the BHS and quickly became a favorite teller among festival goers.

Jean Carroll, head librarian at the Brundidge library, accepted the donation of copies of Kling’s books, “Holiday Inn” and “The Dog Says How” and his latest storytelling CD, “Kevin Kling Alive” with great appreciation.

“Kevin Kling is a great storyteller and an outstanding writer,” Carroll said. “We are proud to have his books available for our patrons. Stories like his represent life, and I could sit and listen to them all night. I’m amazed at Kevin Kling’s talent.”

Those who would like to vote for Kevin Kling’s book for the Readers Choice Award may do so online at TwinCities.com. Voting ends on March 31.

Linda Steed, a member of the storytelling committee, said many people who attended the 2010 Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival came away fans of the storyteller from Minnesota.

“I think everyone enjoyed Kevin Kling,” she said. “Some of his stories were humorous and some were sad. He has turned a disability into an ability. He is amazing storyteller and writer.”

Cathie Steed, also a member of the storytelling committee, said the committee hopes to create a storytelling center at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library.

The center will feature books, CDs and DVDs of the storytellers who are featured at the annual Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival the last weekend in January. The library currently has materials available by storytellers, Donald Davis, Carmen Agra Deedy, Kathryn Tucker Windham, Kevin Kling, Sheila Kay Adams and B.J. Abraham.

Those who enjoy storytelling will want to take advantage of the materials available to them at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library.

“If it were not for the Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, I would not be able to see these incredible storytellers on stage, Carroll said. “And, I enjoy their CDs and their books. Their stories are, like I said, about life. They bring back memories.”