"Thank you so much for coming! I've had nothing but rave reviews - you were a definite hit at the party! The kids had so much fun and having you there made it special and memorable for everyone...I can't thank you enough - having you at Ben's party turned it into a real event that the kids will be talking about for a long time. We've already heard from our friends who reported that the kids were exhausted and said it was the best party ever!!!"
Danielle, Mother of 2 year old, Burlington

"...we wanted to say thank you once again for being here. You did a fantastic job and our guests could not stop talking about how great you were after you left. You truly showed the kids (and adults :) ) a great time." Jackie Adachi, Brampton, mother of 5 year old "Your entertaining, fun and interactive songs and stories were a huge hit, as evidenced by the enthusiastic and energetic response and participation of our young visitors." Darlington Nuclear - Tuesdays on the Trail Program

"I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did at my daughter's birthday! The kids had so much fun and really enjoyed the time with you. You brought smiles and laughter to all the children's faces with your instruments and music. Thanks again for a wonderful day!!"
Judy, mother of 3 year old, Vaughan, Ontario

"I enjoyed spending time with you and the other storytellers. I mostly enjoyed the plays. I thought that you are pretty nice when you worked with my group since they were not there. I had a fun time."
Amanda, grade 4 Student, Dovercourt PS

"James is able to stimulate children's imagination with his storytelling. He is able to incorporate the concepts of co-operation/conflict resolution while telling the story. He involves children with hands on the instruments while doing music activities and takes children on a multi-cultural journey with his songs."
Rose Simone, Teacher Dovercourt PS

"We wish to thank you for the wonderful musical storytelling show you put on for the children - they were absolutely enthralled and you made the party a huge success."
Margot Thompson, mother of 8 year old Alexander

"I wanted to write and thank you for the fantastic performance you gave yesterday at my son Eli's second birthday party. From the minute you arrived and set up your instruments, you interacted with the kids, drawing them into your wonderful musical world. And the kids just ate it up: watching you unpack the drums, the banjo and the accordion, put on your funny hat and start the show... they are all still talking about the instruments the next day. You managed to round up all the kids from outside and from the first bar, all eyes and ears were on you. (By the way, thank you for making the effort to learn all of their names- it was a lovely personal touch that made each child feel special.)

Your show was magical, as is your way with children. Because of your talents, all of the kids were enthusiastic about the music and eager to participate with you in singing, clapping, playing instruments and puppets... whatever you had them do, they loved! We gave you a tough job, asking you to do a show for such a wide age range: kids 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 7 years as well as parents and grandparents, from here and abroad.

You chose music and songs that drew everyone in. No matter their age, you had everyone singing, laughing and clapping with you. Your song selection inspired the kids to be creative, to sing and express themselves. They clammored to make up rhymes for your - even Aidan, who is the shyest little boy I know, was thrilled to yell out a rhyme for "Down By the Bay".

After the party, Eli's grandfather commented that most children's performers he has seen perform either for themselves or for the adults in the room. He said it is very rare to see a children's performer who is able to draw children in like you do. He thought it was magical to see each and every child respond to you, participate and enjoy each and every one of the 45 minutes of music and song. I could not agree more. It was a fantastic show. Kudos to you James, you are a real talent. Thank you for giving all of us, especially Eli, a birthday to remember."

Jennifer Shuber, Toronto

"Thank you again for a wonderful afternoon at Jackson's 5th Birthday party! He is still quite excited about having you here and sharing you with his friends! We were very impressed with your talent and abilities to involve very excited children for over an hour in a variety of musical and storytelling activities. Thank you for making this a special day for us. We have some wonderful memories and all of the children and parents too were very impressed by you! We will definitely be recommending you to our friends and family!"
Terri Leach, Newmarket

"James is certainly "playful"-very outgoing, lively, exciting and fun! The children were completely taken with him - he was a Pied Piper with little mice following along. The accordion was an especially big hit! Well done!"
Suzanne Joyner, Grade 1 Teacher, Rosedale Public School

"Your show was fantastic...everyone enjoyed your performance from the kids to the adults. I couldn't believe you held their attention for so long with so much going on at the party. I loved the costumes, songs, & stories."
Helen, Brampton, Ontario

"Thanks again for helping to make Carlyn's 3rd birthday so memorable. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your performance - toddlers and parents! You did an amazing job of getting the children to engage with the music...many of the parents asked about you and commented what a great show it was."
Sharon Ferriss, Toronto

 
"It's great to have James in our classroom. His performance enhances kindergarten students' opportunity to develop their oral language. They learned a lot from his stories and of course we enjoyed it very much. We hope to see him more often in our classrooms."
Yumei Zhang, Kindergarten Teacher, Regal Road Public School

"I just wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU!!!!! Your performance was amazing and so entertaining. All the other parents were so complimentary through-out the evening and commented on how wonderful you were with the kids.

It has been a constant topic of conversation today around the house. The girls keep adding to their list of 'favorite things at the birthday party'; each new item involves one of your songs or one of your stories."

Helen Pearce, Mother of 4 & 6 year old, Toronto

"...the kids enjoyed the party and I can't thank you enough - you truly are a master at kids entertainment...........worth every penny. Thank you so much.

I asked Alexander if he would like to do that again next year and he said he would, which was very exciting for me as he was a little apprehensive at first.......thoroughly enjoyed himself though, he said when we got in the car - that was the best birthday party he's ever been to !!!!"

Liz, Mother of Alexander (6), Stouffville

Hi James,
What can I say but WOWeee!!!!!! Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day of fun and music. You are an amazing entertainer! My children could not stop talking about you. You brought out the best in each child who are normally very shy and reserved. Even my niece, who is a tough cookie to make smile, had the best time , my brother and sister-in-law were in awe. You have a gift my friend and you use it well. Thank you from my heart for making their day that much more special."

Dawn Breda-Costa, Markham, Ontario

Nancy Fowler, Toronto

"We are very happy we contacted you and were delighted with the entertainment you provided. It still amazes me how you held the children's attention for over an hour. I heard from several mom's how much their kids enjoyed our daughter's party. We will be recommending you to our friends. Thanks again!!"

Trudy MacNeill, mother of 5 year old, Toronto

"We have not stopped talking about the party and your wonderful performance. You made our day so special and we can't thank you enough for that. Keeping little ones entertained and engaging their imaginations is not easy. You have a magical way with children, James. I can't tell you how much positive feedback we got after the party."

Cedar Elder, mother of 4 year old, Toronto

Eli Fellman, father of 3 year old, Toronto

"...I just wanted to thank you once again for the amazing performance you put on today for Camila - you made memories for her that I am sure will remain with her for a very long time, if not forever. Your selection of songs and the special added touch of the spanish song were brilliant. Thank you very very much James, seeing the smiles on the kids faces and hearing one of the boys tell his mom as they left ... "this was the best birthday EVER" - WOW you truly have a special gift for creating magical moments that last a lifetime. THANK YOU!!"

Sole Fernandez, Toronto

"Thank YOU! You had 10 girls completely captivated for over an hour and it was amazing to watch all of them (some faster than others of course) come out of their shells and entertain each other."

J. Rothblott, Mother of 8 year-old

Hi James,
I just wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful programs you did for Banbury Kids Camp. The feedback I received from campers and staff was positive and amazingly enthusiastic. The campers were consistently engaged during your storytelling programs. Everything you did, from music to drama to storytelling, was interactive, age-appropriate, and fun. It was always very reassuring having you at camp running your programs because I knew the campers looked forward to your visits every week. I truly believe your programs are fabulous because you are passionate about what you do. Thanks again for everything!

Joe Gold, Director, Banbury Kids Camp

 
"...I wanted to say a BIG thank you to you for being such a FANTASTIC entertainer. ALL the kids AND adults really enjoyed the show. Thanks for being so accommodating and I admire how well you work with all the children and the varying personalities."

Delia Braddock, Markham

"Just a note to thank you again for the lovely program you provided for our house-full of 3 and 4 year olds. You had those munchkins RIVETED with your original songs, and it was such a special touch that you remembered each child's name. Oscar had a memorable birthday, and we continue to enjoy your music EVERY time we drive in the car. Your CD is required listening!"

Su Laine Varkey, Toronto

"Thank you James, we all had a blast. You have a gift with children and I am always amazed how you get each and every one involved - even kids who don't speak English. I gave my daughter your disk and she is mesmerized. She is a very early riser and this disk got her to stay in her room quietly for 2 mornings straight! Now she keeps telling me I just HAVE to listen to the story about the dragon. Thanks again!"

Liza, Mother of 3 & 5 year old, Toronto

"I was impressed. The children were very engaged and it wasn't stupid - that doesn't happen very often!"

Lior Gluzberg, Camp Eden

"This letter is written to provide the highest recommendation for James Funnyhat."

Heather Wheeler, Principal, Annette Public School

"Once again I would like to thank-you for performing at Tia's 5th birthday! You were amazing! The kids were so engaged, and I think EVERYBODY (parents included) really loved seeing them have so much fun! YOU ARE AMAZING!"

Penny Belton, Toronto

"I would like to express a warm appreciation for your great program and for the great performance. (At the City of Guelph Ribfest) We came purposely for it today after enjoying it last year. Your performance is less commercial and more children-oriented than others. You speak to kids from their height, which I find really important. In addition to being real fun for the kids (dancing with "unusual" body parts, for example), it is also very educational ("Fix the road" song), very physically motional ("Five hammers" song) and very imaginative (using body parts as musical instruments). And you succeed to do all this without using too many equipment or special effects on the stage. And of course, parents enjoy it too!

...letting Lia play the Lion in the story you just made her day! More than that, I am sure she will remember her great experience for a long time and will tell everyone excitingly about it. When she heard you singing the "In the jungle" song from afar, she "flew" towards the children tent. Once again, thank you very much for the amazing art you perform for children and families."

Anna Marom, Guelph

"Thank you so much for the shows this morning. We've had some very enthusiastic comments from the teachers and the children. I was impressed by your gentle manner and that you were so appropriate for this age group. Loved your voice and the variety of songs and stories you brought to us. Participation by the children is always a winner! I can just hear the "stars" (and others) telling their parents all about it tonight! Again, thank you."

Angela Sasaki, Vice Principal, Unionville Montessori School

"My grade one students had an amazing time. You are such a fantastic performer. You have a presence that immediately draws children to you and you were so good with them. My students were fully engaged. You had them laughing, dancing, singing and acting! Your program not just covers the Ontario Arts Curriculum but it integrates Science and Social Studies and Language. You were able to address many of the children's different learning styles and I really appreciated that. You fully captivated the students!"

Arlyn Alvarado, Grade 1 Teacher, Ryerson Public School

 
"I just wanted to thank you again for coming to Eva's birthday party. It was obvious by the kids reaction that they loved it and were completely engaged from the start. It made for a very memorable birthday, and we couldn't have been happier with the way it went."

James Andrews, father of 3 year old, Toronto