Robert Rubinstein

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Robert Rubinstein is a storyteller, author, and middle school teacher. He has performed in many venues nationwide, and traveled with 41 storytellers from across the country to China. He is the creator and director of the Troupe of Tellers from Roosevelt Middle School, and has produced and directed Eugene’s Multi-Cultural Storytelling Festival for over 20 years. He lives in Eugene, OR.

Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?

Albert Payson Terhune’s Sunnybank Collies

What’s your favorite line from a book?

In the words of the Maori storyteller: 
    “Stories bring us: 
    ‘the breath of life, 
    the spirit of life, 
    the word of life, 
    it flies to you and you and you, 
    always the word.’” 
                 –Jane Yolen

Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?

T.H. White, Eric Kimmel, Jane Yolen, Peninnah Schram, Robert Parker

Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?

I am a professional storyteller and love to share and tell traditional stories and life stories – and enjoy the amazement and delight of my audience.

Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?

Read all types of books from fiction to non-fiction for all ages. Observe people (keep a notebook): appearances, how others react to them, speech and word choice, decision-making and consequences, inter-actions with others. Then imagine what each of these people’s lives is like – the past and future that you cannot see: family, personal problems – joys – hopes – fears – conflicts. You should be able to see and hear the story as a movie playing in your head: action, scenes, and character.