Where Word Masters Spin Their Yarns

“The Magic of Story,” a new performance series at Raven’s Flight Bookstore in North Hollywood, is made to order for families who may want to explore the pleasures of a form of entertainment that still stirs the imagination even though it’s about as old as human speech: storytelling.

The once-a-month series, spotlighting respected professional storytellers who are part of the Los Angeles Dreamshapers, kicks off Friday with performances by Leslie Perry, Nick Smith and Bill Howard. Although some evenings will be geared toward older children and adults, others will be accessible to kindergartners and their families.

“We very much want it to be seen as a family event,” Howard said. “We see it as a passing down of culture.”

Friday night’s program features artists who are “world tellers,” Howard said. “Leslie Perry and Nick Smith are both of African American descent. Leslie tells lots of stories from that tradition and from the Bible. Nick’s stories range from the Middle East to the Wild West. I tell a lot of Celtic folk tales and fairy tales.”

Each evening in the series will be different, because each storyteller has his or her own style and favorite subject matter; some use props or puppets and some accent their tales with music.

“I see it as a kind of verbal jazz,” Howard said. “I’ll visualize the story taking place and relate what I’m seeing with my mind’s eye.”

The shows are not suggested for children under kindergarten age, but young kids with “good listening skills” (some stories run as long as 40 minutes) are welcome.

* “The Magic of Story,” Raven’s Flight Bookstore, 5042 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, Friday, 8 p.m. $5. (818) 985-2944, (626) 286-6960.

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Japanese Festival: If you’ve never been to the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, or if it’s time for a return family trip, Saturday’s “Japanese Tanabata Festival,” a special free event for families, is the time to go.

Hosted by the museum’s Japanese Arts Council, this celebration of Japanese culture, art and people offers activities and entertainment for all ages.

“We do a free day every month highlighting different [Asian and Pacific Island] cultures,” said Paul Little, the museum’s director of communications. “This Saturday, people can expect taiko drummers in the courtyard, music, cultural displays, traditional food and lots of activities for kids. They can make carp streamers, origami [paper-folding], they’ll hear folk tales and contemporary stories from Japan and see a doll display.”

Children will also be able to make tanzako--when these decorative banners are hung from trees they’re supposed to make wishes come true.

* “Japanese Tanabata Festival,” Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. (626) 449-2742.

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Calling Madeline Fans: Young fans of Ludwig Bemelmans’ “Madeline” and pint-sized ballet enthusiasts, too, may want to visit art gallery/bookstore Storyopolis next weekend for one of two themed activity events. On July 25, “Mad About Madeline” offers a combination craft, story time and photo op (with a costume character), all based on Bemelmans’ little French girl, a longtime children’s book favorite.

The event runs in conjunction with the gallery’s new exhibition “Contemporary French Illustration,” which includes original art by Bemelmans.

On July 26, the American Ballet Theatre is spotlighted with a related craft and participants will be given a chance to win tickets to the company’s upcoming production of “Cinderella” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. There will also be a “Q&A;” with a former ABT ballerina, plus a mini ballet lesson and ballet stories read by stage and screen actress Barbara Bain.

* “Mad About Madeline,” July 25, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; “American Ballet Theatre,” July 26, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Storyopolis, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Plaza A, Craft participation, $6. Craft reservation: (310) 358-2512.