Hi. I’m Anna Manuel. My name comes from my Spanish ancestry, my love for performing stems from my Filipino roots, and my accent is from Sesame Street.
Hi! I’m Anna Manuel.
I create interactive and educational storytelling performances for multicultural children. And I can help you do the same.
Embracing my unique skill sets as a storyteller, teacher and story coach, I support teachers, librarians, artists and community workers use stories to deliver educationally sound and high-engagement programs that nurture imagination, creativity and learning - perfect for schools, libraries and cultural communities.
I know that through stories well-told, children are inspired to read, write and tell THEIR stories. Sharing stories helps children grow into kinder, more empathetic, and confident human beings.
My job is to help you enrich your programs with stories and deliver greater engagement and value for children and the community.
I bet that you’re looking for inspiring and fresh ideas in using stories in your work. Between planning programs, serving the community, plus going through mountains of paper work, creative storytelling can easily get squeezed for time.
And I totally get it. I used to work as a full time teacher, watching children and adults (me, included!) move through rich stories without a spark of joy and connection.
It wasn’t until I stepped back and rediscovered storytelling through voice, movement, languages and culture that the light returned.
When I started telling stories that truly met children where they were, I became a more responsive teller and teacher. I became someone who creates memorable storytelling experiences that help libraries and schools engage children with confidence and delight.
Growing up bilingual in the Philippines, working overseas for 10 years (where I learned Thai), and married into a culturally-diverse family, I’ve seen how diversity adds so much vibrance and connection to everyday life.
These experiences shape my work today as a multicultural storyteller in Melbourne, creating inclusive storytelling experiences that reflect the communities libraries and schools serve.
My mission is to help you enrich your
programs and deliver greater engagement and value for children and the community.
Through creative storytelling and education-informed approaches, I see how stories support literacy and invite cultural curiosity.
St. Clare Thomastown Primary School
Anna mesmerised us all with her storytelling. We were captivated by the myriad of different ways that stories could be told. Anna created an intimate environment where we all felt included and totally engaged. Our students are still asking: "When Anna is coming back?" and not surprisingly continue to use some of her storytelling techniques unprompted! The experience had a great impact on us all and was testament to the power of great storytelling.
Reach out and let’s chat!
Get my freebie goodies
I’m sharing my 3 Steps to a Standout Storytelling Session + my print-and-go plan for the National Simultaneous Storytime (2023) + blank story plan template you can use for your own purpose.
Watch my videos on Youtube
I write all sorts of stories - and record them so you get an idea of different ways we can tell them. See how kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre) stories can enthrall and engage. Watch my body percussion story, breathing song and chants, among others.
Ethics Statement
I believe that through the stories we create, we can show different lives represented so that that children we work with feel acknowledged and celebrated members of our multicultural society. The more lives represented in the stories we tell make us better, kinder and calmer human beings.
I’m committed to making this possible for all people who engage with me and amplify the voices that need the space to be heard. I strive to learn, advocate, act in solidarity with causes that support equality, justice, and acceptance for all.
YOU are welcome here: people of colour, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+. I celebrate and honour stories, creativity and contributions of my clients, peers, and partners.
