Youthful words"Dear Mr. Bob, You were the coolest person because you are funny and creative, also a good musician. Thank you!" Darcy, 5th grade
"It was fun meeting you and I enjoyed your stories and songs. And that was fun and it was the best time I've ever had." Ajaia, 3rd grade student
"Thank you for telling the fabulous stories. I will tell them to my little brother. I might buy that book you showed us." Trae, 3rd grade student
"I really liked your stories & songs. It was cool when you played the spoons, old washing thing, & guitar. Why won't you get a band? I hope you come back with new stuff! Oh, by the way, thank you!" Dallas, 3rd grade student
"Dear Mr. Bob, You are funny, very funny. I want you to come back funny Mr. Bob Story Teller." Uriah, 1st grade student
"I liked when the snake popped up!" Levi, 3 years old
More comments from kids below.
Adults speak
"I was very pleased that you included stories and songs from many different cultures from around the world. It fit right in with what we have studied all year. I would certainly recommend your programs. You engage the students in many ways and expose them to stories and instruments of many cultures. You also are extremely well organized and easy to work with for those who are scheduling." Tracey Jackson, Music Teacher, Johnston Elementary, Johnston, SC
"We liked best the content of the stories - the lessons they taught - and your enthusiasm! The students loved the energy. We want you back! You were fun and inspiring! You made kids feel good about themselves." Susan Simpson, Former Principal at Hickory Tavern Elementary, Gray Court, SC
"Thank you so much for a wonderful visit. We had a great time. The children loved hearing you and singing along with you! Your enthusiastic performance was a big hit. I have recommended you to lots of people…do I get a commission?? We are sure to have you back again". Frances Gilliam, Media Specialist, Lakeview Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"Your variety of stories and music flows very well. The audience couldn't wait to see what you were going to do next. I definitley will recommend you to other librarians. Why? - Your program is FUN!" Karen Kociemba, Oconee County Libraries, SC
"Bob Linsenmayer, 'Mr. Bob, Singing Storyteller', came with his guitar to perform at the library. The children were engrossed with his stories and music. The program was truly enjoyable and affordable. He was fun and we plan on having him back next summer, if not sooner." Wendy Weinberger, Director, Screven-Jenkins Regional Library System, GA
"The students enjoyed the Saudi Arabia cultural information. They loved all of the stories. I know this because they have talked to me about them. They really enjoyed the songs and the instruments too. They loved the whole show. I liked the way you did different things for the grade levels. That was a big plus." Melinda Taylor, Media Specialist, Johnston Elementary, Johnston, SC
"I went to your website and listened to Clara Cluck. Wonderful! I'm looking forward to meeting YOU!" Andy Offutt Irwin, Covington, GA (A prominent national storyteller)
"What a joy your concert was. We were all taken by its sheer beauty, poetry and honesty. Acting in one accord, a standing ovation is a rare but truly deserved thank you for your sharing." Rudy Nyhoff, Augusta, GA (Attended a family concert)
"Thank you so much for being with us on Friday. As usual, you were the STAR of the show and we definitely hope to see you back with us next year." Pat Bouknight, Media Specialist, Springfield Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"Your programs have a great sense of fun, which kids pick up on right away, both from your content and your style." Marybeth Evans, Director, Starburst Storytellers' Festival, Anderson, SC
"Your program was wonderful! The students and adults were totally engaged in the stories and music. Allowing the audience to participate makes all the difference." Dot Rutherford, Media Specialist, Bowman Elementary, Bowman, GA
"Your program is appropriate for all ages and covers many standards through many grade levels." Sherri Smith, Curriculum Coordinator, John C. Calhoun Elementary, Calhoun Falls, SC
"Thanks again for participating in our ninth Arts Day. Once again the students LOVED your performances. Harris - my son - wants you to know he really liked it too! You truly have a gift and I thank you for sharing it with our students. Hope to do this again next year!!" Marcia Womble, Art Teacher, Hickory Tavern Elementary, Gray Court, SC
"Students enjoyed the program and learned valuable lessons, too." Janet Shay, Oakland Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"Great integration of character concepts in song & storytelling!" Dottie Kinlaw, Principal, Mathews Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"I think kids need to hear oral storytelling. The students enjoyed the opportunity to participate, not just listen. I liked the S.C. history story because it goes along with 3rd grade curriculum." Michelle Cuttill, Media Specialist, Westwood Elementary, Abbeville, SC
"The storytelling was exciting, because you do it so well. We have not had a performance before that kept the children so quiet and attentive. Teachers and children asked to have you back!" Ann J. Tiller, Music Teacher, Washington Wilkes Primary, Washington, GA
"Mr. Bob was able to captivate the audience with his storytelling and music. The students couldn't stop talking about the program." Sheila Chapman, Character Education Teacher, Belvedere Elementary, Belvedere, SC
"Every performer has his own style, and yours is unique. You vary your stories with singing and music, a few props and some repetition to involve the audience. The children and teachers loved your performance. I hope you'll come back soon!" Mary Bolen, Media Specialist, Cherokee Trail Elementary, Donalds, SC
"I loved the use of 'non-traditional' instruments. The children really enjoyed and responded to them. I also enjoyed the amount of audience participation. I was impressed with your level of professionalism from hiring to performance." Jennie Deal, Children's Librarian, Aiken County Public Library, SC
"A very fun, unique way of presenting character education that students remember." Julie Claytor, Guidance Counselor, Saluda River Academy for the Arts, W. Columbia, SC
"Our students liked the variety of costumes and instruments. I liked the variety of stories - all of which had a moral lesson - especially the one about the gang! Teachers were impressed at how engrossed the students were!" Julie Gazda, Art Teacher, Hammond Hills Elementary, North Augusta, SC
"The children were thrilled. They are still talking about 'that singin' man with the snake. You are a great storyteller! Our students love you! I know that you will become a regular at the Mighty Max, so expect to hear from us again." Pat Biggerstaff, former Principal, Maxwell Elementary, Thomson, GA
"I would most definitely recommend your programs for other schools. The students learned from and thoroughly enjoyed the performances, and the teachers were very complimentary as well." Heather Nash, Music Teacher, Oakview Elementary, Simpsonville, SC
"I loved the visuals from other countries. Such things catch children's attention from the start. The songs were wonderful!" Debby Hodges, Media Specialist, Woodfields Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"The children really enjoyed your programs. They were very entertaining as well as educational." Monica Thurmond, Media Specialist, Lincoln County Elementary, Lincolnton, GA
"The messages were delivered in a humorous and entertaining manner. Excellent Job! Parents and teachers were complimentary of the program." Darlene Simpkins, Guidance Counselor, Batesburg-Leesville Primary, Batesburg, SC
"You kept the attention of regular and special education students. Your storytelling and music kept the students enthused and quiet." Vicki Smith, Assistant Principal, Blackwell Elementary, Elberton, GA
"Very enjoyable, refreshing and educational in the fields of character education, history and culture." Michelle Brackett, Guidance Counselor, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary, Leesville, SC
"'The Litter Song' and other stories and songs allowed the students to be involved. Your presence was very calming which allowed the children to listen well." Sue Bennett, Media Specialist, Barnwell Elementary, Barnwell, SC
"Your program is very age appropriate and character centered." Paul Garrett, Assistant Principal, Doves Creek Elementary, Elberton, GA
"Bob Linsenmayer has enhanced our music program greatly. He has exposed the children to professional musicianship and storytelling." Sally Kauffmann, former Music Teacher, McCormick Elementary, McCormick, SC
"The students were engaged and very enthusiastic about the stories." Melanie Wyndham, Media Specialist, Congaree Wood Early Childhood Center, West Columbia, SC
"We want you back. The children loved you last year!" Beth Beale, Media Specialist, Mathews Elementary, Greenwood, SC
"Our students really enjoyed the Crictor performance. They were amazed when you made the letters with the snake! They also really liked your litter song. It was interactive and got them on their feet!" Kim Cole, Media Specialist, Heritage Elementary, Travelers Rest, SC
"Your program had variety, which kept the audience interested. It alternated between quiet times and noisy, hands-on times. We thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you!" Lauren Decker, Children's Librarian, Kershaw County Library, Camden, SC
"The children and their parents were involved with each new story or song you presented. I believe your gentle way of presenting allowed them to enjoy what was happening without getting noisy in an unruly way. I recommend the program especially for areas with limited opportunity to connect literacy to fun and music. You were able to encourage children to read with a gentle manner that asked for their cooperation." Lorene W. Dennis, Children's Librarian, Orangeburg County Library, Orangeburg, SC
"I can tell you've been doing this for awhile. I was very impressed that you could alter the program to fit the age of the audience. Your entire program was well received. I loved your one man band." Pam Link, Children's Librarian, Columbia County Library, Evans, GA
"No lapse between stories and songs. Very exciting and interesting stories. Age appropriate." Donna Wagoner, Children's Librarian, Euchee Creek Library, Grovetown, GA
"Well rounded program. Everyone loved your performance." Elaine Sikes, Manager, Burke County Library, Waynesboro, GA
"Today I had a very great day because of what you did for all of us. How did you get so good at playing instruments?" Alex, 4th grade
"Dear Mr. Bob, I loved your stories. They were awesome. I also liked your songs. My friend Christian said we should go to that cabin on Halloween at midnight. It would be so scary. My other friend Jordan said, 'No way. You are absolutely crazy!' The other stories were good too." Lauren, 4th grade student
"I enjoyed everything you did and I hope you write me back. My favorite story was GIVE ME BACK MY TAILY PO!! My favorite song was the pizza one. I really loved all of them but those were my favorite ones. The best part was when you played the guitar, how can you play it amazing!!! Well it is time to leave school now bye!!" La 'Kya, 3rd grade student
"I really wish you could come all the time and sing and tell stories, but I guess we all make decisions in our lives." Robin, 4th grade student
"Thank you for playing for us and telling us stories. I haven't littered yet!" J. C., 4th grade student
"Every time you come to our class we all start jumping up and down." Tiffany, 4th grade student
"My favorite story is the one with Stretchy, Puffy, Looky and the Prince trying to save a princess from an evil wizard. My favorite song is 'Litter, Litter, Litter'. And that is only two things I like about you." Cory, 4th grade student
"Thank you for coming to visit our school and letting us stay out of class until lunch time." Aiken, 4th grade student
"I loved the big pumpkin story." Jonah, 3 years old
"Oh, I come here all the time. The guy who let us play instruments was SO COOL!" Boy's comments after a Mr. Bob library reading program.
"Dear Mr. Bob, My favorite instrument was the mouth harp. All those crazy sounds were amazing." Harrison, 3rd grade student
"Thank you for the songs! I love your songs!!! You can sing good!! The Golden Arm Story!! The whole school loved you!" Jarrett, 2nd grade student
"Dear Mr. Bob, Thank you for coming to our school to make us laugh. I really like the thing you made with the horn and washing thing. It's really cool. I made my own but the noise my mom is not liking it." Laporsha, 5th grade student
Poem Inspired by Mr. Bob
Flowers Blooming
By Christina Kauffmann
(An eighth grader who watched Mr. Bob perform in 1998 in her mother's
music class at an elementary school.)
The children are hidden mysteries…
flowers wanting,
willing, waiting to bloom.
Their beautiful smiles
warm your heart.
Their skin is smooth and rich.
The touch of their hands
makes you smile.
The smell of their presence
deepens your soul.
The sweet, melodic tune
of Mr. Bob's voice
and the strumming of his guitar
brighten your day,
while the sounds of his rainstick
being passed from hand to hand
paint a picture of a peaceful union.
His gentle, loving smile makes you weak,
telling stories of the extraordinary, wild
nature of Africa and
singing songs about funny boas
with hidden talents.
We sit; we watch...
realizing this remarkable, exemplary man
spends his "golden years"
gardening children.