"Bill Sirmon's Tales of Litchfield Beach is a wonderful children's book and a love note to the South Carolina Lowcountry. The tales are tall and rooted in the history of our many-storied state. Sirmon's sixteen rules of storytelling that starts the book off are worth the price of admission. They teach the reader how to go about telling a story in the clearest possible fashion. The illustrations by Jim Dyson are superb and this book is a South Carolina treasure"
Pat Conroy, Author, Fripp Island, SC"This is a children's book written for adults, or more precisely, for adults to read aloud to children. It's a picture book, too, featuring the artwork of Jim Dyson. And it's a joy! Look it over, note the storytelling hints and share it with the children in your life. "
John M. Burbage, Editor, Charleston, SC"I still think about that night in October so many years ago as I pass by the biggest house on the south end of the beach, the one with the not-so shiny white roof that seems to be empty even during the tourist season. And each year during the night of the first full moon in autumn, I have a recurring dream. I'm standing in the Boss' dining room surrounded by a motley array of characters, each with a story to tell-which I'd like to share with you right now in the Tales of Litchfield Beach.
Bill Sirmon, Author, Litchfield Beach, S.C."Bill Sirmon reminds readers of a time when a summer night on the island was spent on the porch. The only light came from lamps inside and the only voice was that of the storyteller. If you listen closely you could hear the thump of ' Peg Leg Bill' coming up the back stairs, see 'Skyuka' near the outside shower and feel the wind that blew 'Miss Mazzie' to Oblivion. As you scooted closer along the smooth, bleached floorboards, you might see the long tail of 'Lizard Man' lying under the rocker, but you didn't dare say a word. You could feel the pain of an injured brother as 'Preacher Jim' pulled the trigger and you likely shivered as 'Spies ' spilled out of German U-boats of the shore. This book will revive story telling. Sirmon reminds us all of the past but also teaches those new to the Lowcountry, new to storytelling, the value of porch stories, handed down for generations on the Carolina coast."
Lee Brockington - a Pawleys Island storyteller and co-editor of the book Pawleys Island, Stories from the Porch"It's a fine collection with a storytelling twist, combining a little bit of history with a lot of heart and South Carolina spirit. Sirmon's stories and Dyson's illustrations are rooted with a strong sense of place that bring the Lowcountry to life."
Elaine Gruy Srnka, editorial director of Virtuoso Life magazine and formerly editor of American Airlines Publishing"Each of Jim Dyson's illustrations is a stand alone work of art. They are not only expressive of both place and character, they are also most imaginative. Dyson's richness in colors along with dynamic action in the figures and movement in the environment create just the right mood for each story. In all, his works and the detail they convey rival those of the noted Lowcountry illustrator Julian Bolick. "These are pictures to linger upon. These are pictures to be treasured. These are pictures that truly bring the story to life, that no child will allow you to skip, not even one."
Mary Bailey Suitt, artist and art critic of Atlanta, Ga."Finally, a wonderful book full of local Lowcountry tales with just enough shivers and chills to entertain people of all ages. This will be enjoyed by many generations to come."
Bonnie Dermer, of Litchfield Books, Litchfield Beach,S.C.
