Hanging on Every Word

`This book is brilliant. The opening sections alone are worth the price of the book but the stories themselves are gems. Here is a passionate storyteller giving us priceless gifts which have the power to shape and change lives. How can we not use them?’ -- John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford and Chair of the Church of England’s National Board of Education.
`The power of a story for a child is a timeless truth that all who work with children continue to discover again and again. They provide a means of understanding deep issues and of finding depth and meaning in their own lives. With this in mind I’m really pleased to see this excellent volume of stories that will enthral any child who hears them. I also hope people will resist the temptation to skip to the stories and read the sections on how to tell a story as they are an excellent guide to what is to follow.’ -- Sam Donoghue, Children’s Ministry Adviser, Diocese of London & Co-Editor of Childrenswork Magazine.
'Mark understands how stories work. He understands how kids think. He has years of experience telling the one to the other. And you will benefit from that experience as you read what he has to say about stories and the stories he has included in this book.' -- Jim Bailey, International Children's worker and Singer/Songwriter
`Storytelling is an art. Throughout the history of all peoples everywhere it has opened worlds of wonder, imagination and new understanding for young and old. Mark gives the novice and the seasoned storyteller a fresh, concise guide on how to weave and spin tales and how to captivate your audience and sweep them along with you on an auditory journey. This book deserves to be read, told and heard. An essential resource.’ -- Bob Hartman, Author of the Lion Storyteller Bible
“I will never forget the first time I heard Mark speak. He told a story that had me spellbound. Hanging on Every Word is not just theory but reflects a lifestyle of world-impacting generational ministry. I cannot recommend this invaluable resource highly enough!” -- Andrew Shepherd, Executive Kids Minister, Edge Church International, Adelaide, Australia
“This is an excellent resource; at turns gripping, moving, challenging, and inspiring. Written with a scholar’s mind and a child’s heart, this collection of stories is a `must have’ addition to the bookshelf of every school assembly co-ordinator.” -- Anne Davey, Director of Education, Oxford Diocese
“Mark is a very gifted and charismatic storyteller. We all look forward to his assemblies, children and adults alike, as he brings his stories to life and mesmerises us all with his performance. I am delighted to endorse this book as I know the author can not only `talk the talk’ but also `walk the walk’. I’d recommend this to anyone who delivers assemblies: the stories all have a message without seeming to preach and as Mark says… GREAT STORIES DON’T NEED TO BE EXPLAINED!” -- Trisha Donkin, Headteacher, Holly Spring Junior School, Bracknell
“Mark is a master storyteller. This book serves up a feast of stories, along with some top-class storytelling tips so that anyone can retell them. Mark demonstrates the power of stories which speak direct to the heart. I was moved and inspired in reading them and know that these stories will have the same effect on others for years to come, shaping their future for the better. Enjoy reading, telling, and retelling this classic collection of stories as you rediscover the power of the story to communicate the truth of the greatest story on earth.” -- Olly Goldenberg, Director of Children Can, author of The Josiah Generation and former Children’s Pastor at Kensington Temple, London
“I don’t know a better storyteller than Mark Griffiths. Who doesn’t love a good story? They stay in your heart, bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. I read this book sitting on the edge of my seat, as each story captured me more and more. The first part of the book has amazing tips and advice about becoming a great storyteller. The second part is filled with great stories. I can almost see and hear Mark as I read them. For any person that loves to tell stories, this book is a must – a great read and resource.” -- Tammy Tolman, author, speaker, and Senior Minister of Church of Christ, Sydney, Australia
“Mark has offered us access into a well-tested treasure trove of stories that he has used to engage the wonder of children as he talks of God. I have already worked out which ones I’ll be using for school assemblies and which I’ll be saving for a special, Christmas all age service or for a moment when I have an audience of grandparents, parents, and children. He has drawn on the golden oldies of Oscar Wilde and Tolstoy and on lesser known tales of the mission field and also included a few from his own child-centred imagination. Here is a series of tales that can be read, made one’s own, and then retold.” -- Howard Worsley, Director of Mission, Trinity College Bristol
`I’m a big fan of this book - the stories have proven highly effective, whether being told to a single child or 300.’ -- Jon Piper * Childrenswork *