Let's talk →

30+ minute sessions

Ready.
Steady.
Story!

Ready, steady, story: big voices, curious minds and stories that jump right off the page—for libraries, schools and nurseries.

Who is Michael?

Babies to primary age
Every session shaped to the room

A colourful paper-cut story world bursting from an open book 35+ years
in libraries!Giggles
welcome

The grown-up bit

Meet Michael.
He knows his stories.

Michael Fountain has been bringing books to life since before the internet was a thing.

He has worked in public libraries for over 35 years, including children's library roles in Islington and Redbridge. He has welcomed school classes, nursery groups, babies, toddlers and whole families—plus run reading clubs, craft activities and community visits.

He is an avid reader, enthusiastic talker and traveller to more than 60 countries. In other words: plenty of stories, and no shortage of things to say.

His library career has taken him from Northern Ireland to Lewisham, Redbridge and Islington. He also holds a BA in History and a postgraduate diploma in Library and Information Studies.

Storytime with Michael is built around listening as well as reading. Children can join in with a repeated phrase, make a sound effect, spot a detail in a picture or simply settle down and enjoy the tale. The room sets the pace, so a session can be lively, gentle, silly or thoughtful as the group needs.

For organisers, that means a warm, flexible visit that fits into a library programme, school day, nursery routine or family event. Michael is happy to talk through the ages, group size, space and theme before choosing the right stories.

His sessions are especially suited to groups who enjoy taking part without needing to be on stage. There is space for confident voices, quiet observers and everyone in between. A story might begin with a question, grow through a chorus of animal noises and finish with children asking which book they should hear next.

35+ years in librariesSchools & nurseries60+ countries visited

See the energy

This is what
storytime feels like.

Warm, responsive and full of invitations to join in—not a performance children have to sit through. The aim is to make books feel welcoming, memorable and worth returning to.

Illustration of a storyteller reading to children in a colourful library
Illustrative scene — real session photos coming soon
INTRO VIDEO

Press play.
Soon.

Michael's short introduction and sample story are being prepared. Until then, the best way to understand the approach is to imagine a room where children are invited to listen, wonder, laugh and contribute.

Ask about a sample clip →
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A good story turns listeners into fellow travellers.

Michael's approach

Kind words

What organisers
are saying.

Feedback from the nurseries, schools and libraries Michael has visited.

I am very happy to recommend Michael, who brings a wonderful energy and enthusiasm when singing and engaging with children. His sessions are warm, interactive, and enjoyable, creating a positive atmosphere where children feel encouraged to participate, sing along, and express themselves.

Michael has a lovely way of connecting with children through music and songs, making each session fun and engaging while supporting children’s confidence, communication, and enjoyment of music. The children respond very positively to him and are always excited to take part.

I would highly recommend Michael to any nursery, early years setting, or organisation looking for someone who can provide engaging and enjoyable musical experiences for young children. He is friendly, professional, and passionate about creating memorable experiences through music.

Vanesa — Kinds in Motion nursery, Islington

Michael has been part of our school community for many years. He is a remarkably talented and much-loved storyteller. Michael brings stories to life in such a way that he even manages to make our Year 6 children realise they’re never too old to sit on the carpet and get lost in a good book! It is a delight to watch the children settle down, listen, and engage with both new and favorite stories. From leading assemblies to signposting us to fantastic resources, Michael has been invaluable in raising the profile of reading across our school.

Rebecca Dee — Islington School English Lead

Our early years children look forward to when Michael comes to visit. From the moment he walks through the door, he has the entire class completely captivated. The sessions are a perfect blend of high-energy fun and cozy listening. The children love:

  • Interactive singing: moving and singing along to catchy, actions-based rhymes that get everyone moving.
  • Engaging storytelling: listening to beautiful picture books that are brought to life with brilliant expressions, funny voices, and great comedic timing.
  • Discovering magic: learning that stories come alive.

It is always wonderful to see every single child so engaged, smiling, and eager to participate. The visits are a fantastic way for building early literacy skills, boosting confidence, and fostering a true love for reading. We cannot wait to see Michael on a weekly basis!

Jasia Mahmood — Teacher and RE Lead, Thornhill Primary School

Your turn

Tell Michael
what you're planning.

Date, place, ages, group size and a theme. That is enough to get the conversation started.

Whether you are arranging a regular library session, a school visit, a nursery activity or a one-off family event, a short message is all that is needed. Share what you already know and Michael can help shape the next step.

There is no need to have every detail decided before you get in touch.

Book a story →