writer and storyteller… for adults and young people…
A tale begins and the adventure races along, collecting gasps and laughs and cheers and sighs, until the finish with applause and relief.
Open the book, and from the first page, in the first paragraph, you are hooked. These characters become your friends, companions, confidants. You smile at their quirks, hold your breath when jams get tight.
Always, you’ll want more.
“A gift for humor — both broad and subtle”
– Publisher’s Weekly
Mark is the author of dozens of books and audio books for children, families, and adults, ranging from retelling of classics to traditional fiction to outrageous tall tales.
A live performer with a repertoire of 157 stories*, Mark has a tale for every occasion and every theme. And if you want something special, because he’s a writer, he’ll be happy to create one.
*At last count — by now probably more.
“Author and storyteller Mark Binder is the spellbinder”
– School Library Journal
Mark has written more than 20 books and audio books for readers and listeners of all ages.
For early readers, check out the Bed Time Story Book; Classic Stories for Boys and Girls and the Parents’ Choice Award Winning Transmit Joy!
Elementary age is a perfect time to start reading on your own. Mark’s books are both classic—and fun! Check out Kings, Wolves, Princesses and Lions, Tall Tales, Whoppers and Lies, and the award-winning Cinderella Spinderella!
Middle students and adults with a sense of humor will love Mark’s latest book, The Zombie Cat and it’s sibling, It Ate My Sister. Also pick from Genies, Giants and A Walrus; It was a dark and stormy night…
Readers of literature will be challenged by Mark’s brief epic Loki Ragnarok, his limited edition A Dead Politician, An Undead Clam, And An Ancient Horror, and his novel, The Brothers Schlemiel.
Fans of Chelm will also love The Brothers Schlemiel, and two other story collections from the village of fools, Matzah Mishugas and A Hanukkah Present
“The stories are clever, with touches of humor that only adults will catch.”
—School Library Journal
There is nothing like the hush of an audience as it leans in to hear one of Mark’s spoken-word stories. These aren’t moth-like tales of true adventure, but a blend of classic stories made modern, original fables that sound timeless, and flat out autobiographical lies (mostly for fun and without any political consequences.)
Can someone really tell stories for all ages*?
Yes. Mark’s passion is for a diverse audience of multigenerational listeners—parents and caregivers with their children sharing stories that need no digital devices.
His goal? Transmit Joy—with stories.
Want to bring Mark to your community?
Please click here to visit The Transmit Joy website, or contact us at the numbers below.
*If your child is under 3, read them the Bed Time Story Book and have them listen to Transmit Joy! Live storytelling requires lots of attention.
“a master at spinning old tales and everyday events into storytelling gold.”
– 2016 Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for Audio Storytelling
After decades of catering largely to children and families, Mark has sacked his inner censor and begun to dabble in work that might be “inappropriate” for younger audiences.
The Bark Minder Project was created in December 2017, with its first foray into the world by January of 2018. The goal is to experiment with new forms and distribution models while addressing issues and challenges of today.
And of course keeping readers and listeners deeply engaged and often amused.
One challenge has been the split-personality that this work induces*.
In addition to short audio stories and a live EP produced in Amsterdam, The Bark Minder Project has resulted in the completion of a new novel for Young Adults (and old adults with a sense of humor.)
For more info and links to published work, visit The Bark Minder Project
*Note/Disclaimer — Mark is very sensitive about the work he does with young people and families. Unless specifically requested, there is no overlap between The Bark Minder project and his work with these audiences.