Comments

Comment author

Mark and Leslie are very responsive to libraries and the special needs of each community. They well adapt to what ever reasonable request is made.  Time is spent after the performance with the audience for Q&A. The treasure chest was a hit!  Thanks again

Jacquline Freeman, Children's Librarian, Altadena Public Library

Mark was extremely good at interacting with the audience.  He is very supportive of our SPR (Summer Reading Program).

Kate McBean, Librarian, Apple Valley Branch Library

Thanks! The kids loved it. Good lessons about trust.

Gene Estrada, Senior Librarian, Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library

I thought the show was great. I was for a while wondering whether you were actually a scientist who worked in the rain forest canopy.
You did give a lot of info re habitat and behavior, which I, personally enjoyed. Your enthusiasm and generosity in sharing information was gratifying.

Cynthia Wohlberg, Children's Librarian, Atwater Village Branch Library

Performer Mark (Mark Beatty) of Parrot Tales Productions arrived at the Baldwin Park Library approximately 25 minutes before the program begin (3:00 p.m.)  He set up and began warming the early arrivals by asking them questions. Captain Mark was sensitive to their ethnicity of the audience.  he laced his questions with Spanish words, what is parrot in Spanish? He asked.  What bird do you find on the middle of the Mexican flag?  Once he beganthe program he won over the audieence with demonstrations from his four well-trained parrot macaws, two of them named Salsa and Maxwell. Captain Mark performed a couple of daring feats by swinging a macaw on a rope without slipping off.  He warned children not to try this feat with their parrots at home, though. Captain Mark encouraged questions from the 150 plus audience (100 children, 50 adults) and he stayed another 25 minutes extra giving children a chance to get a close up look at the macaw parrots. Captain Mark did a terrific job!

Rafael M. Gonzalez, Library Manager, Baldwin Park Library

The performance overall was very entertaining. The children enjoyed it very much and everyone had a great time.

Gail Furci, Children's Library, Canoga Park Branch Library

A patron who watched your performance wanted to schedule you.

Vicki Mitchell, Librarian, Chapman Library

Wonderful rapport with children and audience, has a warm and loving relationship with his parrtos. Can control unruly audience (children) in an effective, kindly manner. Parents and children were very pleased with the performance. Thank you

Beverly Harada, Library Manager, Chet Holifield Library

Mark works very well with the birds and the children. He spent a great deal of time patiently answering question after question. I appreciated the reference to the library and reading as well as to our responsibility to to respect our earth and its creatures. *Our audience seened a little "out of it" today. Perhaps they were too tightly packed. Great Show!

Denise Johnson, Children's Specialist, Chino Branch Library

Use of your sound system was extremely helpful with our large group. You and the parrots were very professional in the overheated room you had to cope with. Thank you.

Patty Diaz, Children's Librarian, Chino Hills Branch Library

I appreciated the easy way you interacted with the children before the show formally began. I also enjoyed the way you shared information about the birds with our staff. Thanks.

Marie, Kaneko, City of Commerce Public Library

I thought Mark was an excellent presenter. The only thought I had was the length of the show.  Many of our young patrons are very young and their attention span is very limited. I was suprised that mark was able to keep their attention for so long, but I did notice some of the children were getting a little "ansy". I think when there are small children in the group to limit the time between 30 & 45 minutes.

Olivia Juidma, , City of Commerce Public Library

Very Professional. Very Flexible at adjusting to different sized performance areas

Pam Detilla, Children's Librarian, City of Commerce Public Library

Mark was really great in his stage preparations; in fact he actually did do a little "pre-show" for 5 minutes before the show began. Parrots were extrad:onary, Mark was very knowlegdeable and encouraged audience (kids) participation. He also strongly encouraged kids to be part of the summer reading program, and emphasized books. While the actual program was 45 minutes, Mark and his parrots stayed an additional 15 = 30 minutes to answer questions. Excellent!

Alan Rockman, Reference Librarian, Claremont Library

Our customers delighted in this program. Mark Beatty was very professional and well prepared, and the parrots are absoutley amazing! I highly recommend this program for all ages.

Celeste Fong, Librarian, Colony High Branch Library

Very professional. Excellent show.  We really appreciate your tips & press copy. Also nice of you to spend extra time with the kids after the show. You really go the "extra mile" literally.

Mary Ann Ponder, , Colton Public Library

The kids greatly enjoyed your presentation, with it's mix of Egyptian information, magic, & of course, parrot antics!  Your communication with us was as professional & conscientious as any performer I've worked with. The "treasure Chest" was also a big hit! Thanks!

Eve Ortega, Children's Librarian, Cypress Branch Library

Excellent program as usual, Mark. We had manyyounger children who got restless, but you managed them beautifully! Your program gets better every time!

Natalie Sherman, Children's Librarian, Cypress Branch Library

Children loved live birds and Pirate's costume, including sword & scabbard.  Thanks for being so open and so good to the attending children.  They enjoyed getting "gold doubloons" for answering questions about pirates and other subjects.

Jerri Thompson, Acting Senior Librarian, Cypress Park Branch Library

As usual our audience was exceptionallly happy with the performance. Great audience participation.  Kept the kids involved the whole time.  Thanks again

Carolyn Hopkins, Librarian, Dana Point Branch Library

As always, your program was tereffic!  We all enjoyed the show--including staff, children & adults ! You are very easy to work with and i look forward to booking you again in the future.

Michele Mednuck, Children's Librarian, Donald Bruce Kaufman Brentwood Branch Library

I thouroughly enjoyed the performance. Both children and adults were mesmerised! Very professional.

Rene Whalin, , El Monte Library

I loved that you set up so early and allowed the children to come right away.  You engaged their attention.  It was wonderful that you always brought the subject back to books.  The El Monte Library and I thanks you.

Tiffnay Barrios, Children's Librarian, El Monte Library

Absoutley wonderful from start to finish.  Thank you so much for your promotion of the Friends of the Library & the library in general during the program. The parrots were well behaved & fun !  We would enjoy having you back anytime ! Thanks for the educational and entertaining show.

Linda A. Medina, Youth Services Librarian, El Retiro Branch Library

Everything was great.  Maybe next time we can try it outside in the park. Your relationship with your birds is incrediable & amazing. They really trust you. Everyone enjoyed the performance. It was fun and educational.  You do a great service to the community. (only negative comment was that one staff member thought the microphone was too loud).  I didn't think it was, but everyone hearing is different. Thank you so much for coming to us once again & for the wonderful performance.

Linda A. Medina, , El Retiro Branch Library

It was a great program.  You had kids rolling on the floor with laughter. It was enjoyable for all.  Thanks for such a great program to kick off our Summer Reading Program.

Grace M. Barnes, , El Toro Branch Library

I'd rate your performance extremely high on knowledgeability and education. You were able to hold everyones attention throughout the performce regardless of age. It's a great pleasure doing business with you. We will be booking you again at El Toro

Grace M. Barnes, Librarain, El Toro Branch Library

It was an opportunity for our public young & old to appreciate the information & the parrots where many people in this community would never have the exposure to this kind of performance. One of the best we've ever seen!

Sybil Blazej-yee & Nadine Flores, Librarians, Exposition Park Regional Library

Excellent program. Your ability to engage Spanish speakers with Spanish terms and facts from Mexican history was appreciated.

Stephen knight, Librarian Manager, Florence Library

Very exciting program! Went perfectly with our book for the week, "Treasure Island". Thanks so much for sharing your friends with us. I must tell you that of all the scheduled performers I have had at our library, you are the most organized! Thanks again.

Shirley Wibel, Children's Librarian, Glen Avon Library

The variety of Macaws/parrots was delightful with the bright colors of these fabulous birds. The show was quite entertaining … Mark was very informative & pleasant answering questions of the audience. It was a program for all ages. The pirate theme in connection with the parrots is quite ingenious and entertaining!

Hether Sells/Leming, Children's Librarian, Granada Hills Branch Library

Thanks for a great performance & the picture CD is great!

Shannon Ng, , Grand Terrace Branch Library

Wonderful and exciting! Interesting & Informative

Joy Tashlik, Children's Librarian, Hacienda Heights Library

Mr. Beatty did a great job entertaining the children prior to the program as they arrived and kept their interest and attention all the way through. The parrots are beautiful and well trained.  He wove books and reading into and throught the presentation

Karen Wosika, , Hesperia Branch Library

269 people attended-largest of Summer Reading Program attendance in 3 years. Audience loved it.

Laura Bingaman, , Highland Branch Library

Mark Beatty is a professional performer in every way.  He provided beautiful flyers, press release, bibliography, and other related documents far in advance.  He arrived very early to set up the stage.  He chatted warmly with the children before and after the show.  Mark presented an excellent program that really held everyone's interest.  We had the best number of attendants (145) ever.  Highly recommended!

Cherie Shih, , Hollydale Library

I really liked the performance.  The kids were very attentive and excited during the whole program (not an easy task!)  The question and answer session was very imformative and you can tell that everyone was paying careful attention to what Mark had to say. Very well done!

Adam Mendelsohn, , Hyde Park Branch Library

Kids here want animals...parrots definately qualify!

Appreciated time spent after performance showing the children the various accoutrements (spyglass, pistol, saber)

Gail Kim, , Hyde Park Branch Library

A great show, the most successful program our branch has had in a long time.

Hosneya Khattab, Children's Librarian, Hyde Park Branch Library

I think the program was entertaining and informative and there was something for everyone. The birds were great, and the props and costumes kept with the theme. There was a good mix of performing and audience participation/questions & answers/etc. Great program - everyone enjoyed it immensely. Thanks!

Debra Bemben, Children's Library, Inghram Branch Library

The audience loved the performance.  Mark Beatty had the audience in the palm of his hand and the parrots "beautifully" displayed their talents. Altogether an exceptionally adventure for Fremont Library's family night.

Marjory Hopper, , John C. Fremont Branch Library

Our audience-young & old seemed to enjoy the program. Our performer was wonderful in handling our young audience. We need to take lessons from him.

Patty Spurlock, Pres. Friends of the Library, John C. Fremont Branch Library

Thank for all the extra time you took to talk to "after show people".

Cynthia M. Olsen, , Katy Geissert Civic Center (Torrance) Library

All the branches really enjoyed your performances, Mark.  They especially appreciated your time afterwards, answering questions etc. Thanks!

Evelyn Dunn, , Katy Geissert Civic Center (Torrance) Library

Appreciate performer for strong voice when need to control "some" children.

Next to the check block "Audience reaction to performance" was written Love it.

D.L. Guaglirado, , La Cresenta Library

I appreciated the emphasis on joining the summer reading program.

Sherry Toth, Children's Librarian, La Habra Branch Library

The performance was very enjoyable.  My only sugestion would be to decorate the white piece of furniture to make it look more like a pirate theme.

Joanne Rhode, Librarian, Laguna Niguel Library

Program was entertaining & informative.  Performer answered all questions posed by both children and adults.  He could relate to his audience.

Elmita R. Brown CLM, , Lawndale Library # 316

Great Show !!! Audience laughed, and had a Great time!!!

Karol Smith, Children's Librarian, Leland R. Weaver Library

The stage was a little bit too large for very small libraries, like us. But luckly we were able to get everyone in who wanted to see the show. Children and adults seemed to really enjoy your performance.

Patricia Houlihan, , Live Oak Library

We really appreciated your willingness to answer questions and entertain the many early early arrivals to the show.  Also your willingness to hang around and answer questions afterwards. Great program! We look forward to having you back with us again.

Patty Houlihan, Children's Librarian, Live Oak Library

Arrived early-entertained before showtime w/ Q & A's.  Gave credit to LL Friends for providing the programs for the library. Most feedback from parents was good. We had one whiner, about the water. Stayed after program for photo opportunities. Fun & professional.  Thanks !

Anne Walker, Young Adult Specialists, Loma Linda Branch Library

I especially appreciated your pre-show talk, and the way you encouraged the children to use the library and read more about parrots, pirates, etc. It was an informative and entertaining program and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mara Alpert, Children's Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library.-Child. Lit. Dept.

Mark was great with the children.  They were more animated & responsive for this show than any other this summer.  The press release & CD with photos are very useful and make it easy for the library to generate publicity. As a result, we had a wonderful show with a very satisfied audience. Parents were commenting postively on the quality & professionalism of the performance.

Theresa Stout Cazares, , Los Nietos Library

The performance was wonderful. The audience was very engaged.  Fantastic !

Carrie Goodart, , Loyola Village Branch Library

Mark arrived early and was very personable. He set up everything by himself and required no help. The program was excellent( Informative, entertaining) and the parents and children were enthralled. Many parents told me the program was "great." & "dynamic." We would definately recomment Parrot Tales to others!

Mary Hopf, Acting Senior Librarian, Loyola Village Branch Library

All of us at the Lucerne Valley Library really enjoyed and appreciated your wonderful presentation. I loved all of the birds, Eco, Max, Salsa, and Rainbow. (Salsa was my favorite!)  What performers!  They were so well trained & behaved. I enjoyed your squirting the "bad" children.

Myra Andrest, Branch Manager, Lucerne Valley Library

The performance was enjoyed by all ages - it was outstanding. I would highly recommend it. It was educational, funny and amazing to watch the parrots perform the many tricks.

Marilyn Greenbaum, Children's Librarian, Marina del Rey Library

Outstanding program of interest to adults as well as children.  Excellent background and historical information is given in an interesting format.

Marilyn Greenbaum, , Marina del Rey Library

Mark, as usual your performance was excellent. The children (and parents who watched from outside room as I left doors open so they could watch your outstanding show as we are complying with room limits of 49 per fire marshall).  All "loved" your show. 

Marilyn Greenbaum, Children's Librarian, Marina del Rey Library

Your informative & interesting program brought the highlight to our summer reading program. Thank you very much!

Alice Tang,  Community Librarian manager, Masao W. Satow Library

We liked how you enlightened the children with history and asking questions

Rosemary Gurrola, Librarian, Maywood (Cesar Chavez) Library

Excellent follow through throughout!

Cindy Miller, , Miraleste Library

The Parrot Tales production put out a very good program for our library. It has been the highest turn out of any program that we ever have with the public.  I will highly recommend them to anyone. The parrots are gorgeous.

Carmen J. Murillo, Librarian Assistant, Moreno Valley Library

Like before we had a packed house. The kids throughly enjoyed the program. Also thanks for the info re: assembly seating.  We are currently checking into that.

Meghan Kennedy, , Moreno Valley Library

Appreciate the digital pictures-looking forwarding to posting them on our webb site. Also the constant plugs about signing up for SRP.  Your birds are beautiful.

Gail Van Vranken, , North Torrance Branch Library

I appreciate your publicity and was able to send the service announcement to the newspapers.  Made my job easy!  I also appreciate the phone call on the day of the performance.

Gail VanVranken, , North Torrance Branch Library

Your program seems to appeal to both adults and children of all ages including the very young ones.

Katy Cueba, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library

Thank you for giving an excellent program; it was just what I was counting on to promote interest in future programs during the summer. Thank you also for entertaining the audience before the program's official start time-what a relief!

Kathy Echavarria, Children's Librarian, Norwalk Library

Wonderful program! We especially liked the way the audience was involved in your performance, taking part in the magic tricks. Many Parents have told us since how much they enjoyed the program as well.

Susan Umpleby, Children Serv. Coordinator, Ontario City Library

This was the second time we've had you at our library, and once again you gave us an outstanding program. Children & adults- in the audience were enthralled!

Susan Umpleby, Children's Librarian, Ontario City Library

Program was geared to suite all age levels. Audience was very receptive and eager to participate. Information relayed was informative and educational. Birds were in excellent conditiona and fun to watch. Performance was original with a great variety. I as well as the children enjoyed it very much-keep up the good work.

Sonja Hannah, , Pacoima Branch Library

I appreciated the library/book links, nicely integrated with the program content. I also made use of the excellent package of materials you sent in verbal/printed publicity. Publicity kept local (Palisadian Post & flyers) where they all came from.

Gail Kim, Children's Librarian, Palisades Branch Library

Your preparation and presentation was very professional. you handled the audience and children who were talking during the performance very well. Thank you for the quality show. I know the children enjoyed it.

Jennifer Patterson, , Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library

All 3 progrmas were very will received-adults attending the Family Night & Preschool Session were every impress. The grade school program could have carried on all afternoon!

Ros Wilkes, Children's Librarian, Rancho Santa Margarita Library

It was fun to see the performer and children (audience) dressed in similiar costume (pirate).  I enjoyed talking with him after the performance!  Wonderful birds!

Mary Simen, Friends of the Library, Redondo Beach Public Library

Parrot Tales put on a wonderful show at our library this summer.  The childre's area was packed with over 200 children & adults. Mark kept everyone entertained & involved and was very patient with the kids questions after the show.  I've already had people asking when you're coming back.
  I was impressed not only with the shows quality but with the organization. I especially appreciated the ready-to send publicity release.
  I highly recommend this program.

Susan Scamara, Children's Librarian, Rialto Branch Library

Rialto library patrons enjoyed another lively and well executed performance from Parrot Tales you kept the overflow crowd enthralled. After enthusiatic pitch about reading all our display books were taken.  Your mention of supporting our friends group was appreciated too. One parent who missed the program wanted to know where else you were appearing.

Susan Scamara, , Rialto Branch Library

Very good! The presentation was excellent ! Enjoyed by age ages. The performer was wonderful with the children, look forward to further performances.

Gloria Brison, , Riverside Main Library

Pretty birds, their names are great. You show is wonderful

Gloria Brison, , Riverside Main Library

Very good performance. It promoted library and related books. It's very educational!

Homgwei Huang, , Robertson Branch Library

Presenter was very will prepared. Excellent Presentation

Alice Medina, Librarian, Rosemead Library

We always enjoy your shows and the wonderful way you present your amazing parrots! I also appreciate your mentioning the (library's) books and the infomration about the rain forest. Can't say enough good about the birds, your presentation and the information.

Mary K. Chartier, Children's Librarian, Rowe Branch Library

Mark Beatty captivated, entertained and educated a crowd off 300 + young children and parents with tales & jokes, assisted by a quartet of parrots that he has carefully trained and taken care of. A very sussessful program! Thank you!

Marion Scichilone, Children's Teen Librarian, San Clemente Branch Library

The parents & children really enjoyed the program

Elaine Reed, Children's Libraian, San Dimas Library

You suprised everyone by bringing up the Guide Dog to the counter. Thank you for the brief informative talk about guide dogs.  After the program I received many complimentary comments.

Sharron Robinson, , Serrano Branch Library

Mark Beatty even looks the part of a pirate-He was well informed & entertaining-keeping an audience of 100 + Adults & Children enthralled with his banter & his wonderful parrots.

Carole Molloy, Librarian, Signal Hill Public Library

This was one of the most enjoyable programs we have ever had at our library. It perfectly balances education and entertainment. Thank you for bringing it to our kids !

Jay Spradlin, , Southeast Branch Library

I am sorry that many of my patrons were absent and were unable to enjoy your sensational parrot program. I hope Stanton will have you again. I'll be moving to El Monte in Sept. I liked the way you handled some of our difficult patrons by your water squirtier

Ana Serrato, Librarian, Stanton Branch Library

Mark made every kid excited about parrots, pirates, ecology and magic. Great Show

Lydia Lee, Librian, Sun Valley Branch Library

Great program! The children at our library loved your very beautiful and talented birds. Many checked our books on pirates, parrot, magic, and the rain forest following the presentation! Thanks so much -

Ginger Safstrom, , Temecula Library

Once again the children thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful birds and fun filled presentation at our library.  Thanks for a consistently outstanding program!

Ginger Safstrom, Children's Librarian, Temecula Library

Very good entertaining educational program.

Cynthia Nickelson, , Victoria Park Library

Excellent, unusual educational program for all audiences.

Cynthia Nickelson, , Victoria Park Library

Really enjoyed the performance.  Kids loved it.

Susan Bean, , Victorville Branch Library

Thanks a lot! The kids really had a great time!

Linda Israelson, Children's Librarian, Washington Irving Branch Library

I fully recommend Mark Beatty, for his ware & outgoing personality, great rapport with the audience, his ability to adapt to the changing years, theme and, of course, his wonderful work with the parrots. The performance was very entertaining & instructive.

B. Carswell, Childrens Librarian, West Garden Grove Branch Library

Parrots could get rather noisy for a library setting, so you might mention that in your brochure. Otherwise, a surperb show.

Ian Rosen, Children's Librarian, Westchester Branch Library

I am a very new librarian, and the performer gave me several good tips for handling & managing audiences such as guiding people to places to sit, rather than expecting them to sit closely enough, or in the right areas. His show was fun & very informative

Amber Ray, , Westminster Branch Library

We loved the performer & his parrots

Hannah Kramer, Senior Librarian, Will & Ariel Durant Branch Library

2 parents commented on their pleasure and thanks.

Kathleen Larson, Children's Librarian, Wilmington Branch Library

Dear Mr. Beatty, Thank you so much for visting our community library and for bringing your "talented feather friends".  Everyone enjoyed the program and found it to be fun and informative! Thanks again,

Linda Felgar, , Wrightwood Branch Library

Thank you for your great performance.

Karen Nelson, Yucaipa Branch Library

Very excellent performance.  Sorry it was so muggy but the parrots probabally liked it. Many, many positive comments.  Thank you

Linda Grove, , Yucca Valley Branch Library