“The face-to-face element of storytelling is so important,” she says. “It’s lovely to see children engaging with the story and sharing in my enthusiasm.”

Patsy, 69, has made a DVD called “The Wonder and Joy of Storytelling to Young Children” which she hopes will show early childhood educators how storytelling can be done.

“Often storytelling just becomes a small part of the day, and while it’s great to read a book to kids, the whole process can become something very special when you bring in a funny puppet or a musical instrument,” she says. “It’s also really great to get the kids involved – chaotic, but fun!”

The DVD, which is aimed at parents, librarians and educators but also features a storytelling segment for kids, was made at Patsy’s home with the help of her son Chris. She’s running workshops based on the DVD, too.

“It’s designed to spark ideas for anyone interested in developing their storytelling skills using props, puppets and participation,” she says.

Specialising in storytelling in early childhood, Patsy goes regularly to two childcare centres and also runs Rock, Rhythm and Roll classes for mums and bubs at Kippax Uniting.

“The children respond so beautifully and the props really get their attention – it’s so different from the iPads and computers they’re used to now,” she says.

Ex-librarian Patsy’s love of stories started when she used to run storytime for children in Maitland City Library, before she left work to have her own children more than 40 years ago.

“After I had my first child I was getting so bored around the house that I asked if they would like me to come back to do the stories,” she says. “They were thrilled to have me back and it really became my joy.”

Patsy says that storytelling creates a lovely relationship between the teller and the listener, and can improve a child’s listening and mental imaging abilities, which are vital pre-reading skills for children.

“Telling tales has been a way to pass on values and morals for centuries, and it increases our understanding of other cultures,” she says.

Patsy says that while she mainly tells other people’s stories, particularly folk tales and stories from a vast collection of books at her home, she has also self-published two books, “The Boy Who Loved Drums” and “Tessa the Runaway Teapot”.

“At first I didn’t think my own stories were good enough, but as I’ve got older I think it’s important to be who you are, and I’m proud of my books. They’re like my babies,” she says, smiling fondly at Tessa the teapot puppet.

“Storytelling makes me want to go on living – to be able to communicate with children and see them wonder what’s coming up next is really special.”

Workshop and storytelling details at patsytales.com.au