Everyone has a story to tell according to Irish storyteller Niall De Burca.
Mr De Burca was in Dannevirke last week entertaining children enrolled in the Dannevirke Library summer reading programme with his tales.
"I love it, this is what I was born to do. Some people have a need and desire to tell stories and I am one of those people. We all have stories to tell but for me, it is about firing up people in the old traditions," he said.
And fire them up is what he does. The children were enthralled with his stories, as were the parents who attended. Using a range of voices, funny faces and actions, Mr De Burca had the children in hysterics throughout his session.
Literacy is a magic wand and you can do pretty much anything with it and make it as entertaining as you want. I grew up in a storytelling household and now, my son is telling stories as well. Storytelling is a traditional artform," he said.
"I have a simple philosophy which is to share the joy and honour our ancestors and we can do this through telling stories."
Mr De Burca was brought up in Galway and is now living in Dublin. However, he said New Zealand holds a very special place in his heart as he lived here for several years.
"I had the great fortune to meet and marry a wonderful New Zealand lass. I really love this place but at the moment, I am based in Ireland. When I was asked to do this tour, I jumped at the chance to come to the country I hold so dear."
He also said his experiences of living in New Zealand have had a major influence on his work and performance style.
"I am a lot more relaxed and the reading programmes run by the libraries are fantastic. I perform for all age groups, but the children are awesome and it's great to be able to get them fired up."
In Ireland, Mr De Burca has featured in theatre, radio and at many festivals including Féile Earraai, the CS Lewis Festival, and the National Children's Book Festival. Abroad, he has performed and held workshops in countries as diverse as Poland, Argentina, Italy and the Netherlands.
He is currently touring the lower North Island and East Coast, performing at 24 libraries in just 12 days. "It is very full on and quite hectic but I am loving it. There is an old gaellic proverb which I use. N?or bhris focal maith fiacal riamh, which means a good word never broke a tooth. Very true," he said.