Reviews
Elementary Schools
"Within a single hour, the children and adults sitting on the floor and tables were taken from the jungles of Haiti to the icy igloos of Alaska, only to end up on Alabama's Tombigbee River. They were riveted to the voices, faces and sound effects that Cogan creates so seamlessly."
- Lesley Wright, Los Angeles Times
"You were fabulous; the kids loved you. You are a gift to all of us; a master storyteller who can create all the voices, emotions and gestures of 40 characters! Teacher after teacher and child after child has spoken to me about you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
- Angelique Pitney, Carden Conejo School, Calabasas, CA
"Today we had two assemblies and eight workshops with Jim Cogan, a master storyteller. He was fantastic! The students were mesmerized by his stories! The students also interacted with him while he was telling his stories. In his workshops he taught students about story mapping techniques and plot exercises. Everything he teaches follows the Common Core State Standards. This is one of the best programs I have ever participated in."
- Deborah Hutchinson, Liberty School, Chino, CA
Middle Schools/High Schools
"Teaching is very much a reflection of life's magic. That magic was evident in Cogan's facial expressions, gestures and animated character voices as he drew his listeners into tales of individual courage."
- Kathleen Mortensen, Idaho Statesman, Boise, ID
Anti-Bullying
"Through entertaining and heartwarming stories, Jim opens many doors for those once shut out. He sends all the right messages leading students and educators on a path to creating a wonderful school climate free of bias-based bullying behavior."
- Catherine Tully, Public Education Foundation, Las Vegas, NV
Colleges/Universities
"Renowned storyteller Jim Cogan returned to Albertson's College of Idaho last Wednesday…this is the third time Cogan has been to the campus and it most likely won't be the last. He entertained the group for over two hours with three stories from very different genres, wrapping the audience in his storytelling spell each time."
- Julie Mitchell, The Coyote, College of Idaho
Festivals
"As the director of the Ojai Storytelling Festival, I have had the pleasure of working with Jim Cogan many times as a storyteller and emcee. "The Man of a thousand faces, Jim is a definite favorite of the festival. A true craftsman of stories, Jim encourages a love of language and joy towards life in all his performances."
- Brian Bemel, Director, Ojai Storytelling Festival
"I want to thank you for the incredible performances you gave at the Second Annual Modesto Junior College Storytelling Festival. I have received nothing but rave reviews from those who attended. You are an exceptional artist."
- Dr. Jim Johnson, Dean, Festival Director, Modesto, CA
Libraries
"You gave us all a real treat with your wonderful tales. We loved the way you use your voice and whole body to engage the audience. You are truly the man of a thousand faces and voices! Your enthusiastic telling had everyone participating. You are an extraordinary storyteller and a warm and generous teacher. You represent the very best in storytelling!"