"Bill Harley has the uncanny ability to reaffirm life for listeners, be they five or fifty. Humor, empathy, intelligence and reality all radiate from his work and from him." - Penguin Books A Grammy award winning artist, Bill uses song and story paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist. With these considerable talents, Bill considers his real work to be using these skills to encourage his audience to see the world anew and to experience "live art", to honor the emotional lives of children and adults and finally, to pass along a love of language and music. "Bill Harley takes his life and turns it into art. Sounds simple until you actually try to do it. That Harley's art seems so effortless only underscore his mastery." - Nuvo Newsweekly Praise for Come On Out and Play: 'My class and I can't wait until you get here!! We LOVE all of your story/songs. Most of us can't decide what story/song we like best!! I know I can't!!' Sincerely, Thomas 'This is one of our very favorite recordings. And, we love the picture books that have come from these very special stories...keep up the fabulous work!' Debbie.