Rob Cleveland to Launch Career as Children's Author with Live Performance at Fernbank Saturday, April 1st
Atlanta's Own to Perform and Debut New Story Cove Children Books Series Live
Atlanta, GA — March 16, 2006
Rob Cleveland, a local performer who has been entertaining Atlanta audiences for 25 years as a comedian, actor and master storyteller, will make his official debut as a children's author by performing stories from his new Story Cove (Atlanta-based August House Publishers) series of children's books Saturday, April 1 in the auditorium at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, performances at 10:30 a.m. & Noon.
As an actor, Cleveland has appeared in over fifty professional stage productions around the country. Most recently, he completed his fourth season with the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. As a stand-up comedian, Rob has headlined all over the country in many different comedy clubs, including Dangerfield's in NYC and The Improv in NYC and Los Angeles. In addition to his many talents, Cleveland serves as Fernbank's Storyteller-in-Residence, engaging children's imaginations with stories about cultures, wildlife and more.
This Spring, Atlanta-based August House (www.augusthouse.com) will debut a series of illustrated tales from around the world that have been carefully adapted by Cleveland to actively engage young readers. Under the umbrella "Story Cove," each of these new titles will be supported by animated movie versions, along with online activities, projects and games. In addition, each story comes equipped with multiple-leveled lesson plans that will allow teachers to implement the latest advances surrounding differentiated learning.
Cleveland will share a selection of stories with kids at Fernbank in a special edition of his monthly Story Telling program. Cleveland will perform the following stories at Fernbank:
The Clever Monkey — When two greedy jungle cats discover a large piece of cheese, they can't decide how to divide it fairly. The clever monkey comes to their rescue. Or so they think. After reading this trickster tale from West Africa, readers will think twice before asking a monkey for help.
The Magic Apple — Three brothers embark on separate journeys to fulfill their father's dying wish. In their journeys, they go to distant lands, find curious treasures, and learn the true meaning of giving.
The Drum — In this story, a poor boy's dream of having a drum takes him on an unlikely path. He meets several people who guide him along the way. In time, he learns to make his own magic in this world.
How Tiger Got His Stripes — Many years ago, the proudest animal in the jungle was not the peacock. The proudest animal was the tiger. In this folktale from Vietnam, we see how Tiger's pride leads him to covet wisdom and, with the help of a wise farmer, earn his stripes.
About Fernbank
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a gateway for discovery and exploration, unfolding the story of the earth's history, the physical universe, the environment and human culture through exhibitions, family programs and films in the IMAX&rights; Theatre. Opened in 1992, Fernbank is known as "Atlanta's Home to Dinosaurs," a reputation highlighted by Giants of the Mesozoic, which features the world's largest dinosaurs.
Media Note: Cleveland is available for advance interviews or on-site; books/stories with B-Roll of animated movies also available.
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About August House
Recently recognized as one of "America's 101 Top Independent Publishers," August House is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning multimedia publisher of children's stories and folktale anthologies. August House's is based in Atlanta, GA.
August House Media Contact
Rob Cleveland
404-442-4422
