Trần Thị Minh Phước [jahn teeh m-eh fooh] spent 10 months in a refugee camp in Malaysia before coming to America. In 1984, after a 50-hour Greyhound trip from California, she came to a land called Minnesota, where she believed that she could find the precious treasures in life-education and a safe environment. As the first Vietnamese librarian in Minnesota (now retired), award-winning author, and respected storyteller, she has shared her experiences and knowledge of Vietnamese culture, the richness and beauty of Vietnamese folktales, and her refugee experiences at various cultural events, storytelling programs, conferences, libraries, universities, and schools throughout the state and beyond.
Saturday Morning Stories is a joint project of Story Arts of Minnesota and Badger Hill Brewing. On the second Saturday of each month, at 10am, Badger Hill Brewing (2805 Winners Circle Drive, Shakopee, MN) joyfully opens its doors to children and adults who love a good story. With no cover charge and free treats for the youngsters, the rotating cast of professional storytellers present a lively mix of tales told the old-fashioned way (no books or notes!) with audience participation and a craft activity afterwards. The brewery offers a full menu of coffee and tea drinks in addition to its popular beers for adults to enjoy as they listen.