Darrell House wears a lot of hat

Darrell House wears a lot of hats:
Children's author, poet, storyteller, singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist.

Darrell House's presentations are more like a concert where he entertains Pr-K thru 5th grade with his original songs, stories and poems. Themes that embrace the joys of reading, setting goals and allowing your imagination to run free are all parts of the humorous and thought provoking program that several schools and libraries have called "the best author visit we've ever had".

Raised in SW Ohio he was performing in public by the age of 6 and professionally by the age of 14. During the late 60's and early 70's he was a radio personality in Kentucky where he also performed in area clubs. In 1974 he decided music was indeed his calling and spent the next 30 plus years writing, playing his guitar and performing throughout the Midwest and from South Florida to New England.

Married for nearly 25 years, he has two grown daughters who were instrumental in his detour into entertaining kids and families. In the early 90's he would sit outside their school waiting to pick them up in the afternoons. To pass the time he started writing poems and songs to make them laugh after a "tough day in 2nd grade" and that material led him to reinvent himself. He still loves the acoustic hits of the 60's and 70's but these days you'll most likely find him playing songs from his two CD's, Underneath the Cushions on the Couch and Makes Me Feel Like Singing, while he performs in schools and libraries.

His first book, Miller the Green Caterpillar, features illustrations by internationally known artist, Patti Argoff, who has recently completed the artwork for his second book, The King of Fish. These stories, along with the music, poetry and high energy presentation, combine to create a very exciting and different kind of author visit. To hear some of his songs, read reviews and references and view a 7 minute promotional performance video, visit his Electronic Press Kit at www.sonicbids.com/darrellhouse.

Miller the Green Caterpillar by Darrell House (Author), Patti Argoff (illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: CBTB Productions; (April 2004)

Miller the Green Caterpillar is a children's story told in verse. More than that, it's a tale of determination, vision and the belief that sometimes wishes do come true. Kids, parents, teachers and librarians have all put their stamp of approval on this delightful story, and its uplifting message is one that can be appreciated time and again. The selection of gifted illustrator, Patti Argoff, is one more example of Darrell's commitment to excellence. She brings an international reputation with her and you're sure to fall in love with her interpretation of the delightful green hero.

Editorial Reviews
South Florida Parenting Magazine - 12/04 This book by Fort Lauderdale based children's entertainer Darrell House is a picture book for younger children. Other than its author's ties to South Florida -- he performs at many children's events in the area - it could be set any-where. Like most such stories, the caterpillar's metamorphosis is a symbol for growth and change. The illustrations in Miller the Green Caterpillar are adorable, easily drawing in the littlest readers, who can relate quite well to Miller's quest to be something more than he is - to learn, somehow, to fly. The story is lyrical and uplifting without being sappy. Vicki McCash Brennan

Underneath the Cushions on the Couch
by Darrell House (Author) Audio CD Publisher: Maggie Music, Inc. (November 15, 2005)

"Nicely constructed, positive and upbeat folksy songs that feel like a day in the park with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face." John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.

Makes Me Feel Like Singing (Audio CD) by Darrell House (Author) Audio CD Publisher: Maggie Music, Inc. (November 15, 2005)

From School Library Journal Singer/songwriter Darrell House follows up his previous album, Underneath the Cushions on the Couch, with this clever, catchy, upbeat collection of 12 tunes. Ranging from the inspiring (The Future Is Me) to the downright silly (The Rhyming Song, Skootelyottelydoodelywoo), the songs crackle with House's infectious energy. Kids and adults will giggle at the goofy Pic-a-nic full of foods such as chick-a-lic, steak-a-lake, and broc-a-loc, and will nod knowingly at the affectionate That's What Grandmas Do. Substance underlies many of the songs, as in the empowering message of When the Time Is Right (We learn because we practice/we succeed because we try), and the librarian-pleasing Hats Off to Reading. House, with his smoky voice and energetic delivery, shares each song with the joy of a favorite uncle playing his guitar on the back porch.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist "House takes a genuine child's point of view in many of his songs; he comes across as more peer than indulgent grown-up." John Shackman,

From Kidzmusic.com. "Take a bit of Burl Ives, mix in a touch of Jimmy Buffett, add a generous helping of funny upbeat tunes and whadya get? Darrell House in the House! You won't only feel like singing, you'll be singing along on every song!" John Wood,