Irena Stanic Rasin

I so enjoyed Ms. Rasin's presentation of her book, When Hen Was on Her Way to Market for my Pre-K class. She makes the story come alive through the use puppets and her engaging presentation. When Hen Was on Her Way to Market is a wonderful story with a special message for children today on the importance of being kind and respectful to others.

 Donna Cantera-Davis, Pre-K4B Teacher

The kids had a great time and we love the book!

Danielle Harrell, Cultural Enrichment Co-Chair

Brackett Elementary School, Arlington, MA

The residents loved Irena’s presentation. She had an exquisite display of Croatian clothing, embroidery, and handicrafts. She talked about how animals, unlike humans, all “speak” the same language, yet different languages have different words for the sounds each animal makes. Irena put on an amazing puppet show with her handmade puppets. Our residents were entranced; this is a presentation not to be missed.

Paula Feldman

Vibrant Living Director

Brightview Arlington Assisted Living, Arlington, MA

I heard Irena Stanic Rasin's presentation at a local festival when I was setting up my art exhibit. I was so mesmerized by her wit and her visuals that I stopped what I was doing to listen and was rewarded by stunning drawings and interesting tidbits about her country of origin woven into a story. I then decided to also participate in the interactive puppet show. The story is funny and entertaining, her puppets are smart and colorful, and in no time Irena had us all laughing, moving and making funny noises. I had so much fun! 

Lidia Kenig-Scher, visual artist

LidiaScherArt

What a treat for us! [The children] really enjoyed the retelling of the story with the puppets. They LOVED the puppets and could not believe you made them. Many also commented on how they liked your accent.

Lori Hill

Library Media Technology Teacher

Barrows Elementary School, Reading, MA

I liked the lesson the book taught us - don’t be bossy!

I liked how she retold the story using the puppets, I really liked the shrub.

I liked the puppets and getting to learn about where she came from.

I really liked the part when she retold the story.

It was funny.

said students in 2nd grade.

I was impressed with Irena's presentation of her new book When Hen Was on Her Way to Market at Barnes and Noble. Irena made a real connection with her audience - the children were eagerly involved in helping her tell the story with puppets that she created. 

Darlyne A. Murawski, Ph.D.

nature photographer and writer, author of The Ultimate Bugopedia 

(published by National Geographic and coauthored by N. Honovich)

We were so happy with your visit!!

[The students] really enjoyed your retelling of the story using the puppets! Your movement around the room helped keep [the students] engaged. They loved showing off their knowledge of Croatia for you but they also loved seeing your traditional dress, hearing your accent, looking at your hearts, umbrellas, and sea sponge! We all enjoyed seeing students as pictured in the movie clip and singing the song with you. 

Cheri Eastwood 

Librarian

Kensington Elementary School, NH

And here's what students in grades K-5 said:

She acted out her story for us.

She wore traditional Croatian clothes.

She showed us some facts about Croatia.

She brought a table full of things from Croatia for us to see.

She showed us a map from Croatia.

She showed us red hearts.

She showed us the red umbrella souvenirs.

She had a big sponge to show us.

We saw a video from a Croatian movie where children sang a song in a round, then we got to sing it too.

She inspired us to read her book by giving us a puppet show.

The story taught us to be nice.

She signed the books.