Darrell House

Artist Information

Biography

Children’s author/poet/storyteller/singer/songwriter/recording artist/musician
New illustrated children's book, The King of Fish (Nov. 2011)
Winner of 2010 Parents' Choice Gold Award for CD of original, humorous poetry for kids and familiies, Speed-b-b-b-bumps
Outstanding Children's Author, 2010 Amelia Island Book Festival
Look for The Florida Department of Education "Meet the Author" video
"If you are looking for a captivating author, poet, musician, song writer, and storyteller who will inspire your students to be both writers and readers, look no further than Mr. Darrell House. He is an amazing presenter who will immediately establish a rapport with his audience, and motivate students to want to write. Through his creative approach, students who I never expected to write without prompting, were drafting original poems and compositions the same day, and ever since! He created a memorable experience for our students, and will surely have the same impact on your school... As an administrator, I am very cognizant of our budget crisis, and that every penny counts when considering what will be an effective return on investment. I also have had many experiences of paying for educational presentations and afterward feeling that our students were mainly entertained. This is not one of those presentations! I firmly recommend Mr. Darrell House as a presenter from the positive experience we had during his many presentations, interactions with students, and positive feedback received from both parents and staff. He is truly amazing!" - Alex Dworzanski, Ass't Principal Lehigh Elementary School, Lehigh, Fl.

“Your performance electrified the students and faculty. It was The Best author visit ever!!!” “Using your whole body to tell a tale, you become the story itself. One cannot take their eyes off of you.” – Colleen Hodge, librarian, St. Michael Academy, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Fl.

"Your enthusiasm was contagious. Our students loved your storytelling and you made writing seem like so much fun. With smaller groups coming to the library to hear you, it was so much more personal for everyone involved... We are fortunate to have an author visit our school every year, but many teachers told me "He is the best one we have ever had." - Elizabeth Smith, Media Specialist, Emma Love Hardee Elementary, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Fl.

“Specifically, we were able to use “Miller the Green Caterpillar” to teach and reinforce elements of poetry as well as its thematic lesson of setting and achieving goals. Your dramatic presentation also provided a superb example of public speaking skills such as gesturing, variation of vocal qualities and use of facial expression to enhance communication.”- James Fant, English Dept, Key West High School, Key West, Fl.

Darrell House has brought his program embracing the love of reading to more than 80 schools as well as numerous Libraries, Book Fairs, Literary Conferences and Reading Festivals nationwide. It’s all original stories, poems and music, and it’s guaranteed to delight children, librarians, media specialists, teachers, administrators and even parents. The humor, energy and pace of the performance create an excitement that lasts long after his visit is concluded.
"You were a true pleasure to work with and you have made an impact on our students that will last a long time." - Ann Buchanan, Reading Coach, Hilliard Elem., Hilliard, Fl.

Not your typical author visit? Darrell prefers to gather groups of +/- 150 in the media center, where performing as many as three shows a day, unplugged, he has the opportunity to look every student in the eye and sell his messages of the magic of literature and good old fashioned family values. "I've always felt that with 500 kids in the cafeteria, along with the bad acoustics, those kids in the back are too far away to "get it". And you can't blame them. After all... they're 9 years old." He typically spends 2 or 3 days in your school for what many authors charge for a one day visit. Get-togethers such as Author Lunches, Teacher Meet and Greets or Poetry Club meetings are included, and for a small additional fee, an evening family night program can be added.

SCHOOLS:
Bethany Christian School, Ft. Lauderdale, Chancellor Charter School, Weston, Fl., Embassy Creek Elem., Cooper City, Fl.-Hawkes Bluff Elem. Davie, Fl-Hollywood Central Elem. Hollywood, Fl -Horizon Elem., Sunrise, Fl.-Nob Hill Elem., Sunrise, Fl.-Panther Run Elem. Pembroke Pines, Fl., Barbara Hawkins Elem., Miami Gardens, Fl., Opa Locka Elem, Miami, Fl., Pembroke Lakes Elem. Pembroke Pines, Fl. -Sandpiper Elem., Sunrise, Fl.- Sawgrass Springs Middle, Coral Springs, Fl.-Sheridan Hills Elem. Hollywood, Fl.-Welleby Elem., Sunrise, Fl.-Central Academy, Middletown, Oh-Jacksonville Country Day, Jacksonville, Fl.-McKeel Elem., Lakeland, Fl-Resurrection Catholic School, Lakeland, Fl-Summit & Questa Montessori, Davie, Fl.-Key West High School, Key West, Fl. -Western High School, Weston, Fl.-Cypress Bay High School, Weston, Fl.-Florida Southern University, Lakeland, Fl.-Hilliard Elem. Hilliard, Fl.-Boulevard Heights Elem., Hollywood, Fl.-Country Isles Elem. Weston, Fl.-Sunshine Elem. Miramar, Fl.-Brauser Maimonides Academy, Davie, Fl.-Eagle Point Elem., Weston, Fl.-Everglades Elem., Weston, Fl., Norcrest Elem, Pompano Bch. Fl., Riverglades Elem, Parkland, Fl., Pinewoods Elem. Estero, Fl., Rainbow Montessori, Hollywood, Fl., Bayview Elementary, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., Silver Ridge Elem. Davie, Fl.,St. Michael Academy, Amelia Island, Fl.-Virginia Shuman Young Montessori Magnet School, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.-Wilton Manors Elem., Wilton Manors, Fl., Rosewood Magnet, Vero Beach, Fl., Vero Beach Elem., Vero Beach, Fl., Austin Elem., Scottsburg, In., Crothersville Elem. Crothersville, Indiana, Johnson Elem. Scottsburg, In., Fox Trail Elem. Davie, Fl., Lexington Elem. Scottsburg, In., Vienna-Findley Elem. Scottsburg, In., Scottsburg Elem. Scottsburg, In., Veterans Park Academy of the Arts, Lehigh, Fl., Vineland Elem., Rotonda, Fl., Banyan Elem., Sunrise, Fl., Fox Trail Elem. Davie, Fl., Old Orchard Elementary,Toledo, Oh., Pembroke Pines Elem. Pembroke Pines, Fl., Bridgeport Elem., Frankfort, Ky., Good Shepherd School, Frankfort, Ky., Emma Love Hardee School, Amelia Island, Fl., Ray V. Pottorf Elementary, Ft. Myers, Fl., Patriot Elem. Cape Coral, Fl., Heights Elem. Ft. Myers, Fl., Chapel Trail Elem., Pembroke Pines, Fl., Deep Creek Elem. Punta Gorda, Fl., Julington Creek Elem, St. Johns, Fl., Osceola Elem., St. Augustine, Fl., Tropic Isles Elem, N. Fort Myers, Fl., Tampa Palms Elem. Tampa, Fl., Cedar Creek School, Cedar Creek, Fl., Lehigh Elem, Lehigh Acres, Fl., Hickory Creek Elem. St. Johns, Fl., Durbin Creek Elem., St. Johns, Fl., Bellamy Elem., Tampa, Fl., Deer Park Elem, Tampa, Bryceville Elem,, Amelia Island, Fl., Estates Elem., Naples, Fl., Parkway Elem. Port St. Lucie, Fl., Patriot Elem., Ft. Myers, Fl., Heights Elem., Cape Coral, Fl., Villas Elem. Ft. Myers, Fl., Kingsway Elem., Port Charlotte, Fl., Morningside Academy, Port St. Lucie, Fl., Bob Graham Education Center, Miami Lakes, Fl.

Libraries:
Florida - Broward County, Palm Beach County, Lee County, Martin County, Duval County, Pinellas County, Sumter County, Osceola County
Ohio - Butler County, Franklin County, Lucas County
Michigan - Wayne County
Iowa - Cedar Rapids, Dyersville, Dubuque
Illinois - Glen Elynn

FESTIVALS:
Amelia Island Book Festival, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 (Outstanding Children's Author) Lee County Reading Festival 2007, 2009, 2010 Miami Book Fair International, Vero Beach Book Festival, Deep Carnivale... A Celebration of words, The Villages Literary Conference 2007, 2008. One Goal Early Childhood Education Conference 2007, SW Virginia Early Childhood Education Conference 2008. Florida Heritage Reading Festival - St. Augustine 2009, South Florida Folk Festival children's stage - University of North Florida 2010 Writer's Conference

PICTURE BOOK: Miller the Green Caterpillar - See the movie on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK9O_1KAjUo
The King of Fish... November 2011.


Member Florida Writer's Association
SCBWI

For questions regarding fees or availability
use the contact link
Or
call Darrell now at: cell phone - 954.257.3312

Instrumentation

Darrell plays a 6 string acoustic/electric Guild guitar

Discography

Music for kids and families include:
1. Underneath the Cushions on the Couch
2. Makes Me Feel Like Singing
3. Speed-b-b-b-bumps - a spoken word collection of original, humorous poetry for kids & families is a Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner
ALL SONGS AND POEMS CAN BE HEARD AT www.CDbaby.com

Links

• Festivals-and-shows.com
• Facebook
• Jacket Flap
• BookTour.com
• Author's Den
• CDbaby

Audio

• Underneath the Cushions on the Couch
  Listen  
• Hats Off to Reading
  Listen  
• Clean Up Your Room
  Listen  
• Wannabe
  Listen  
• The Rhyming Song
  Listen  
• Three on To
  Listen  
• Thats What Grandmas Do
  Listen  
• The School Bus
  Listen  
• Treasure in the Attic
  Listen  
• Shoulda Woulda Coulda
  Listen  

Lyrics

• When the Time is Right
• Treasure in the Attic
• The Rhyming Song
• Back to Nature
• That's What Grandmas Do
• Hats Off to Reading
• The Future is Me
• Makes Me Feel Like Singing cover
• Mary Claire Margaret Sue Rosemary Jane
• Pic-a-nic
• Scoodelyottelydoodleywoo
• Strawberries and Cream
• Wannabe
• Castle by the Bay
• Frisco Get a Job
• Ya Just Gotta Believe
• Hugn'Snuggle
• Ice Cream For Lunch
• Underneath the Cushions on the Couch
• When I Close My Eyes
• I Wish I Was Seven Again
• What Makes Me Grow
• A Special Place
• Rhythm & Books... Feel the Beat

Video

Darrell House "kids & families" promotional performance video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Speed-b-b-b-bumps earns Parents' Choice Gold Award [+ Show ]
  

  Children's author-singer-storyteller Darrell House recites a treasure trove of his own poetry--short...Children's author-singer-storyteller Darrell House recites a treasure trove of his own poetry--short pieces alive with humor and resonant with a child's real-life delights and dilemmas.
  A sampling: The orthodontics-inspired "Tinsel Teeth" ("I'm tired of wax and rubber bands and chains that stretch from here to there…") and "Excuse the Rabbipotamus" ("at bedtime he'll sleep at your feet and cause an awful roar/the rabbit part is gentle, but the potamus part does snore."). "When Daddy Drives the Car" is a sly gem, indeed ("We can drive across the state or down the avenue, while daddy points out drivers doing things they shouldn't do…."), the compelling "Write My Story Down" encourages children to explore their own storytelling skills and the title track is a hoot-"In the parking lot at school, they have speed-b-b-b-bumps/Whenever we drive over them, the car j-j-j-jumps…."
  Throughout, House celebrates words, rhyme and language with deft and irresistible charm. What a treat.
  

• If you are looking for a captivating author, poet, musician, song writer, and storyteller who will inspire your students, look no further than Mr. Darrell House. [+ Show ]
  

  If you are looking for a captivating author, poet, musician, song writer, and storyteller who will i...If you are looking for a captivating author, poet, musician, song writer, and storyteller who will inspire your students to be both writers and readers, look no further than Mr. Darrell House. He is an amazing presenter who will immediately establish a rapport with his audience, and motivate students to want to write. Through his creative approach, students who I never expected to write without prompting, were drafting original poems and compositions the same day, and ever since! He created a memorable experience for our students, and will surely have the same impact on your school.
  
  Lehigh Elementary promoted writing, literacy, and family involvement during this year’s annual Young Author’s Festival. Mr. House was our featured author that dazzled Pre-K through fifth grade students with his stories, songs and experiences as a writer. Students shared their questions and personal writing experiences with Mr. House during author luncheons, classroom visits, and a roundtable discussion.
  
  During the annual Education Fair students had an opportunity to introduce their parents to Darrell House when he presented a special workshop for families. Segments of this entire event were taped for an upcoming video titled “Meet the Authors,” a project of the Florida Writers Foundation in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education. Poetry is a special interest of teachers and students at Lehigh and to celebrate Mr. House recently earning the People’s Choice Gold Award for his new poetry CD, Speed-b-b-b-bumps, a “Poetry Café” was created in the teacher’s lounge. Throughout the week, groups of students shared poetry they had written or were learning in the Poetry Café for teachers and staff members. To further help students see writing as an integral part of their lives, and not just for a test, fourth grade students attended mini-sessions. Students left the sessions motivated and with a better understanding of how writing can positively impact their lives.
  
  As an administrator, I am very cognizant of our budget crisis, and that every penny counts when considering what will be an effective return on investment. I also have had many experiences of paying for educational presentations and afterward feeling that our students were mainly entertained. This is not one of those presentations! I firmly recommend Mr. Darrell House as a presenter from the positive experience we had during his many presentations, interactions with students, and positive feedback received from both parents and staff. He is truly amazing!
  
  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this experience. I welcome the opportunity for you to contact me regarding this very talented and creative artist.
  

• In a word, Darrell House is a master. [+ Show ]
  

  In a word, Darrell House is a master. From the moment the hairbrush came out, he took us on a ride t...In a word, Darrell House is a master. From the moment the hairbrush came out, he took us on a ride through his sunny world of pure musical enchantment…which is the perfect compliment to any literacy program!
  Every step and strum sets Mr. House to filling the stage with fresh energy, unexpected treats, and a whole lot of heart. His storytelling is equally entertaining. Darrell has a wonderful rolling cadence that falls somewhere between music and prosaic verse. His voice allows him to take control of the story and truly touch his audiences. He dares to be honest. Using all the tools of the trade he delivers “original” stories to be remembered…a rare find amongst storytellers. The looks of wonder that filled the faces of students and teachers alike were absolutely priceless!
  I highly recommend Darrell House for any school or library visit. It is a rich musical and visual experience. His book and CD’s are very popular with students and teachers. You really just have to see him for yourself – written words can only give a wisp of the experience you would find in person.
  Highest regards,
  Machaeleen Chalut
  Media Specialist
  Hickory Creek Elementary
  St. Johns, Florida
  

• House takes a genuine child’s point of view in many of his songs; he comes across as more peer than indulgent grown-up. [+ Show ]
  

  Makes Me Feel Like Singing. 2005. 32 min.- CBTB productions, CD, $16.95 (0-966327-6-7) K-Gr. 3...Makes Me Feel Like Singing. 2005. 32 min.-
  CBTB productions, CD, $16.95 (0-966327-6-7)
  K-Gr. 3. So many things make performer and songwriter Darrell House feel like singing. That’s good news, since he is so much fun to
  listen to. The topics – picnics, grandmas, future careers, mysterious attic treasures- of these 12 original songs will get kids singing as well. House takes a genuine child’s point of view in
  many of his songs; he comes across as more peer than indulgent grown-up. And although there are some wise lyrics, especially in the
  reassuring “When the Time is Right,” the songs also include a generous amount of inventive and
  downright silly wordplay. The music can be folksy, as when House accompanies on acoustic guitar, or more pop oriented. Highly recommended
  Paul Shackman - Booklist
  

• In Broward County, we never went wrong with this advice: “If Darrell House is available…hire him!!” [+ Show ]
  

  I have had the pleasure of knowing Darrell House for more than ten years in my capacity as Special E...I have had the pleasure of knowing Darrell House for more than ten years in my capacity as Special Events Coordinator for Youth Services at Broward County Library. On many occasions, Darrell has volunteered his time and considerable talent, to benefit libraries and the children we serve. Beyond that, as a hired performer at library events around our county, he has proved enormously popular with family audiences, and always draws a crowd. Darrell is the ultimate professional: a dependable, prompt, “low maintenance” performer!
  
  As a singer/songwriter, Darrell House is absolutely top notch (just listen to one of his CDs). But as a children’s author as well, he is invaluable to both schools and libraries. Darrell is a wonderful, published author who is a professional entertainer…a winning combination to reach young audiences.
  
  In Broward County, we never went wrong with this advice: “If Darrell House is available…hire him!!”
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Katy Mullon
  Special Events Coordinator
  Broward County Library
  
  
  
  

• The impact you made will last a lifetime [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Mr. Darrell House On behalf of Country Isles Elementary, I must thank you for your phenomena...Dear Mr. Darrell House
  
  On behalf of Country Isles Elementary, I must thank you for your phenomenal presentation to our students. Your guitar and awesome singing voice made a memorable impression on all our students. Thanks to your efforts to provide age-appropriate presentations, our students explored writing as a multidisciplinary event that includes thinking, speaking, listening, imagining and musical expression. Even the energy you put into meeting with our students during the luncheon reflects your professionalism. You touched each child by listening to their stories, reading their poetry and interacting on an individual basis. I need you to know that your energetic, inspiring and hands-on presentations may have lasted a few hours, but the impact you made will last a lifetime. I commend your efforts and encourage you to keep up the great work.
  
  Tonya E. Frost
  Principal
  

• I would highly recommend libraries and schools utilize this "Natural Resource" to support their student programs. [+ Show ]
  

  5/25/07 To Whom It May Concern, Mr. Darrell House is a true storyteller extraordinaire. He capti...5/25/07
  To Whom It May Concern,
  
  Mr. Darrell House is a true storyteller extraordinaire. He captivates both elementary and intermediate student audiences with performances of his books and songs, which have wonderful positive attitude themes. He is a high-energy presenter who can speak to a whole grade level, individual classes or large assembly groups. His patient and passionate approach supports reading at the highest level and the love of poetry. Our students were wowed and loved him. The teachers thanked us for bringing him to our school. I would highly recommend libraries and schools utilize this "Natural Resource" to support their student programs. Mr House makes it easy to have him for an author visit as he provides organizational materials such as parent brochures, pre-order notices and promotional posters. One highlight for our school was having him share his time at an author luncheon that we sponsored with our poetry club in the Media Center. He shared personal experiences and he took our poetry students through the process of how he writes his poetry. Our poetry club was spellbound and inspired to enter poetry competition and student publication. A lot of his author visits are repeats and referrals from other schools and libraries. I encourage you to have Mr. House as your guest author/storyteller extraordinaire/songster.
  
  Sincerely,
  Linda Kleingartner
  Wilton Manors Elementary School Media Specialist
  International Baccalaureate/PYP Candidate School

• “he exudes joy”, “he shows a passion for giving”, “he smiles with his heart”, and “he is a joy to be around”. [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Darrell, On behalf of the Vero Beach Book Festival, I wish to thank you for your exciting an...Dear Darrell,
  
  On behalf of the Vero Beach Book Festival, I wish to thank you for your exciting and stimulating participation in our 3rd Annual Festival November 15–17, 2007. The most frequent comment I heard about you was, “He is a real treasure.” How appropriate for the Treasure Coast.
  
  Comments continue to flow in about your school presentations. Rosewood Elementary School children so enjoyed your presentation and the Simon Says activities finishing off your presentations. Your ability to relate with the children is so special and so appreciated by your audiences.
  
  Some real “bonding” must have happened at Vero Beach Elementary School. Feedback from that school includes comments like, “he exudes joy”, “he shows a passion for giving”, “he smiles with his heart”, and “he is a joy to be around”.
  
  Your assistance on Saturday in the Kids’ Street Pavilion and on Kids’ Street was so appreciated. Your acts of kindness to our volunteers and your willingness to work out our microphone problems have endeared you to all of us. Your easy going manner and your ability to go with the flow and make the best out of what you have no matter the situation helped to make our Festival something really special.
  
  Darrell, we will always want you to be a part of the Vero Beach Book Festival. You bring so much to the children of our community. Thank you!
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Barbara Hoffman, Chair
  Vero Beach Book Festival
  Po Box 6728
  Vero Beach FL 32961
  

• Every author has been superb, but you sir stand out above the others. [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Mr. House, Every year our organization has the pleasure of sponsoring an author visit at our...Dear Mr. House,
  
  Every year our organization has the pleasure of sponsoring an author visit at our wonderful school. I am in my fifth year as president of the PTA, and it has been an honor to support this program.
  
  Every author has been superb, but you sir stand out above the others. Your mix of words, music, comedy and educational material makes your performance a complete package. You are a natural at what you do. Wherever your next performance may take you, one thing is for sure, the recipient of your visit will be the beneficiary of one of the best programs I have ever seen.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Jon K. Spear & the PTA Officers

• The participants asked that he perform again at a future conference. [+ Show ]
  

  Darrell House was the Keynote Musician for the Southwest Virginia 16th Annual Early Childhood Educat...Darrell House was the Keynote Musician for the Southwest Virginia 16th Annual Early Childhood Education Conference on April 18th, 2008 at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Wise, Virginia. Darrell presented to 200 PreK – 3rd grade teachers. His presentation was both entertaining and educational.
  Darrell was easy to work with throughout the planning of the event. He was very accommodating. He brought his own sound system, books and CD’s. From start to finish, Darrell was a true professional.
  The teachers and education students enjoyed Darrell’s music and storytelling. The evaluations for his segment were very positive. The participants asked that he perform again at a future conference.
  I highly recommend Darrell to school systems for children’s performances. In addition, coordinators who are looking for a musician for teacher’s conferences should give him a call. Darrell House is well worth the money.
  
  
  Sandra C. Richardson Ed.D.
  Professor of Education
  April 30th, 2008
  

Setlist

A school visit by Darrell House typically includes all students from kindergarten thru 5th grade. Although there are similarities in material, the focus changes depending on the age groups. For younger students it is a more entertainment oriented program that encourages kids to learn to read, use their imagination and work to make their dreams come true. The focus for the older students is more on the creative process, utilizing lessons they have learned to become better readers and writers. Using original songs, poetry and storytelling, Darrell captivates the crowd and usually includes a short Q&A session at the end of the program. The material is culled from his two CD's, his book, his powerful storytelling and his hilarious poems. "Reminded me a lot of Shel Silverstein, (whom I love)."- Richard O. Jones, Middletown Journal.

Basic Requirements

Calendar