Hello! My name is George Patrick Leal. I'm a father, storyteller, and teacher from Vermont. Over the past twenty-five years I've told hundreds of stories to hundreds of children. I'm always amazed at how raptly students listen to told-aloud stories. It's as if storytelling is something they need... as essential as water, or zinc, or sunshine.

And who knows? Maybe storytelling IS essential. Humans have always told tales and created pictures in their heads. Maybe that is what children need in this modern, screen-obsessed world: the opportunity to create their own mental images. Indeed, they often use visual language when they ask me to retell a tale--"Mr. Leal, can we SEE that story again?" 

The "Magic Woods" stories have always been among the most popular of my tales. And now you (and the important children in your life!) can experience them yourself--either by listening online (the "Magic Woods" podcast) or by reading the books.

I hope you enjoy the journey!

All best,

George Patrick Leal