“Lona, I just wanted to drop you a line about your MC’ing New Voices at Stone Soup Storytelling Festival. As one of the performers, I really appreciated the care, attention, and diligence you used for each of us storytellers. The way you introduced each teller, and then at the end recapped every tale told, was beautifully done. One could not ask for a better job than the one you provided. Thank you for your work to help our work shine.”
— Simon Brooks | Storyteller, Voice Talent, and Educator
“Her voice and face come alive when she begins to tell a story. Using imagination and creativity, she weaves words into stories that teach and entertain.”
— Kim Becknell Williams | The Charlotte Observer
“Lona Bartlett is the best story teller for vivid descriptions and creativity that will keep any audience interested and attentive. She has the talent to make literature of any type dynamic.”
— Dr. Perry Spann, Founder and President | The American Literary Society for Higher Education
“Lona Bartlett was a delight to have at the Matthews Alive! Festival. Lona has a great sense for the crowd she is entertaining for. Her walk around stage was a HUGE hit for all ages! We hope she can come back.”
— Geralynn Trellue, Director | Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department Matthews, NC
“Lona has a natural gift to bring stories alive filled with great imagination and creativity. Her work is very interactive and filled with collaborative lessons that teach what our teachers are working on in their curriculum. ”
— Frank Casstevens | Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
“She makes her puppets come to life with the children as she interacts and teaches the students. She commands the attention of the students in a simplistic manner as she manipulates her puppets. I think she is one of the best presenters from Blumenthal and I thoroughly enjoy every visit she makes.”
— Judy Pickett | Parent Community Involvement Coordinator
“Lona made a great contribution to our Character Cubs video project. She created characters that went far beyond the script she was given and made sure the original goal of the show was enhanced. I would highly recommend her.”
— Brian Scott, President | Image Design Video Productions, Waxhaw, NC
“I highly recommend Lona as a teaching artist in your school or organization. She has many strengths, including her student-centered approach, her willingness and ability to create new lessons as requested by teachers, and her positive go-get-‘em attitude, that will enable her to be an asset to any school or organization. In the words of one of the teachers she worked with last year: Lona never disappoints!”
— Michelle Youngs, Assistant Director of Education | Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
“Wow...I was very impressed with Lona’s storytelling! Lona needs to be on Jimmy Fallon. The students were very engaged in her presentation. I really enjoyed it.”
— Libby Winthrow, Charlotte Mecklenburg Arts & Science Council
“Lona inspires our students to reach above and beyond their potential. We love when she comes to our school.”
“It was wonderful to have Mrs. Bartlett visit our school. She engaged the entire audience throughout her storytelling performances. The themes and curriculum connections were perfect. Very professional and a master of her craft!”
— Brian Kothe, Music Teacher | Piney Grove Elementary School, Charlotte, NC
“Thank you for such a marvelous performance —all the students, from the pre-kindergartners to the tenth graders, were mesmerized. Many people were sure there were several people behind the curtain and were so surprised to find one very talented lady doing it all. Your background in teaching and storytelling shines, and we appreciate the excellence of the program you brought us.”
— Chester Caswell, Principal | Adventist Christian Academy Charlotte,NC
“Her voice is a jumping off place as she catches you unawares when she switches to the voice of one of her characters—she will make you love those characters and care about what happens. I like surprises. ”
— Andy Offutt Irwin, Storyteller
“Lona, thank you so much! Our students were beaming with excitement as you made the stories come to life! What a gift you have! Several students commented, “You are the best storyteller ever!”, and I agree. This is a day Daisy Elementary will not forget!”
— Debra Rogers, Daisy Elementary, Loris SC, Media Specialist
“Lona, you were absolutely amazing and such a joy to listen to! I am delighted that our students had the pleasure of listening to your storytelling today. I enjoyed seeing the looks of delight on their faces, as well as personally escaping into the worlds you created for us. Thank you so very much and I look forward to enjoying your stories again soon!”
— Beth Slater, Media Specialist, Dilworth Elementary, Charlotte, NC
“On behalf of the Campbell County Public Library System, I’d like to thank you for the awesome programs you presented as part of our summer reading program. I appreciate the engaging stories and the way you interacted with both audiences. Your programs not only entertained the children the adults had just as much fun if not more. We loved having you and hearing your stories during and after the programs! You’re simply a hoot, I can only imagine what your family reunions must be like. Again, thank you for the fun, entertaining and educational program.”
— Valinda Trent, Campbell County (VA) Public Library System
“Lona, I wanted to thank you for coming to Hunter Huss High School and teaching the Early Childhood Education students about puppetry. You went above and beyond to provide an awesome leaning opportunity that the students loved! They all commented to me about how your ideas for incorporating the puppets in they classroom were so practical, useful, and inspiring. You taught them so much that could be used as a wonderful teaching tool in the classroom. We also really enjoyed the story you shared. You are a very talented storyteller. I truly am grateful that you shared your knowledge with my students and hope to see you again!”
— Kristina Cope Hunter Huss High School Early Childhood Education Teacher
