Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen

06/15/2026

I just learned of the passing of the outstanding author Jane Yolen at the age of 83. She has been a prolific writer with over 450 books in genres from children's picture books to novels. She received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award an international literary prize honoring writers whose work reflects the imaginative, narrative richness, and storytelling spirit of Hans Christian Andersen.

I had the privilege of meeting her at the 2005 American Library Association Convention in Texas. She was promoting her newest book "The Perfect Wizard: Hans Christian Andersen" during HCA's bicentennial anniversary. May her memory be a blessing to those who loved her!

05/19/2026

This is a fascinating podcast proposing that HCA was on the Autism Spectrum. Listen and let me know what you think!

Sandra Nickel explores Hans Christian Andersen’s neurodivergent journey, sharing insights from her book The Real Ugly Duckling in a conversation with Barry and Dave.

05/11/2026

A historical fiction, but based firmly on fact. HCA did visit with the Dickens family and soon out-stayed his welcome.

In Five Weeks in the Country, author Francine Prose imagines a distressing, ill-timed visit to Charles Dickens' home in 1857 — offering a memorable twist on the classic English country house drama.

05/07/2026

Oh, the tales I can tell!
As HCA at the Murray, Utah Library on May 4, '26.
Thanks to Janine Evans, the librarian, for inviting me, Story Crossroads Summit Storytelling Festival for sponsoring the show, and Brooklyn for snapping this photo!

05/02/2026

I will be performing with other tellers Monday May the Fourth ( be with you! 😉) at 6:00 pm at the Murray, Utah Library. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B3Z4TEu6D/

04/29/2026

Come! Listen! Laugh!

04/29/2026

It all starts this Saturday!
My free public performances will be at the Murray, UT Library on Monday May 4 at 6:00 (my H.C. Andersen act) and Tuesday May 5 at the Murray Park Pavilion 5 (near the library) at 10:30 am with Randel McGee & Groark (the dragon).

04/14/2026

What story should I tell? Come and find out! https://www.facebook.com/share/1E7ctG5WFh/

Join us at An Evening of Stories!

This special event, taking place on May 4th at 6:00 p.m., features guests Randel McGee and Kristen Clay, as well as 10 other youth and community storytellers for engaging live performances at the library.

This is just one stop of the 2026 Story Crossroads Summit & Festival tour, so we encourage you to visit their site and check out the full program schedule at other libraries, parks, and schools. It's a great opportunity to take part in virtual workshops and see FREE performances spotlighting youth and community tellers alongside professional story artists.

Explore https://storycrossroads.org/Festival/ for more info

04/03/2026

An interesting portrayal of HCA.

Born on April 2, Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) is remembered for his timeless fairy tales—stories that often carried a darker truth beneath their beauty.

Unlike traditional children’s tales, his works explored pain, rejection, sacrifice, and death, revealing the fragile side of human emotion.