John Batt

Readings

I tell and perform my stories, which have still to be published. Most stories take around 10 to 15 minutes. My stories are mostly about having fun. Here are some of them:

TALES OF THE LOCH NESS MONSTERS: “John, THE MONSTER HUNTER, goes to Scotland to capture the Loch Ness Monster.”

THE BIGGEST MONSTER EVER: “John, THE MONSTER HUNTER, travels to British Columbia to kill the biggest monster ever.”

THE BADEN WEREWOLF: “A true story about a man who turns into a werewolf on full moon nights." This story gets everyone howling.

JAM AND STUFF: “This is about one day in Eleanora’s life and the different ways she gets jam and stuff all over her face and all over the place.” The audience soon get to know the rhythm and the rhymes.

79 FROGS: “Kelsey goes on a trip to the Conservation Park with her Dad. The problems start when Kelsey brings home 79 frogs.”

THE FLU FAMILY: “The Flu Family jumps into Eleanora’s backpack, goes home with her and then they jump up all of the family’s noses.”

JONATHON AND THE ELEPHANT: “An elephant parks itself on Jonathon’s doorstep stopping him from going to school. Jonathon calls the Zoo, Circus, Police, Fire Brigade and the Marines to help move the elephant.”

PIGS EVERYWHERE: “John wakes up and finds pigs in his kitchen. Soon they are everywhere in his house." The audience joins in the chants as he tries to get them out.

BOBBY BUBBLE BALLOON BOY: “Bobby loves bubbles and balloons. He has adventures in his dreams and finally he gets a job flying a hot air balloon.”

BLACKFLIES: "The audience joins Hans as he fights off Blackflies when fishing.”

BIG JACK HAGGIS ATTACK: “In the 1800’s the McBatt clan had two champions, Big Jack and Blood McBatt. In this raucous adventure they settle an argument in a haggis eating contest." The audience helps John with some of the rhymes.

THE XMAS UNICORN: “Angela the unicorn takes a little girl on a trip of faith to get help for her disease. She visits the North Pole and Bethlehem.”

PUPPY LOVE: “A simple story of a little girls love of a pet. Although the puppy gets run over there is a happy ending.”

Special Equipment:

I need a wireless microphone if the acoustics are not good or there is the whole school or large audience. I need a quiet, enclosed setting with as few interruptions as possible as can be managed in a busy school day.

Workshops

First, I tell one of my stories to get the audience in the mood. Then the audience gives me some lines which go on the white board. Then I split the audience up into groups and have them use these lines to write a story which has a theme. Finally, I have one person from each group share their story which I critique.

Special Equipment:

A white board or flip chart.

Other Presentations

Professional Development Days for teachers and librarians.

Biography

I began writing stories for kindergarten kids when my own were at that age 16 years ago. I then began to perform at schools, libraries, churches, corporate kids’ parties, private parties, service clubs, scouting and guiding groups. I had to give up performing for some years because of health problems. I am currently pursuing publishers with my stories.

I am the only licensed monster hunter in Canada. I am licensed federally, provincially, by municipalities and public utilities. I am also licensed to pursue monsters over the US boundary.

Joe Daniels, Consultant, Wellington CSSB wrote: “John was a main clinician at “Arts Alive” sponsored by Wellington CPBS, CSSB and Waterloo CSSB. I would have no hesitation recommending John Batt as a storyteller, teacher and entertainer.”

Dave Massey, Consultant, Wellington County CPSB said: “John has been very successful as a storyteller in our elementary schools.”

Dawn Keckly, Eden Mills Writer’s Festival wrote: “It was a pleasure to have you present at this year’s festival. I believe yours is an important role: through your animated and entertaining storytelling, you create that first step in making children aware of the wonders of stories…...it was an unexpected pleasure to find you so full of good ideas as to how to create interest among children.”

Monica Gutschi, Kitchener/Waterloo Record Reporter: “The fun part of his storytelling was evident as Batt had the children laughing within 15 seconds of his arrival and he was swarmed by autograph hunters when he was done.”