"Storytelling is the most ancient and important way for humans to communicate, entertain and educate. This is a wonderful idea that spreads storytelling to kids that might not otherwise be able to have one of the most important experiences of childhood."

Helen Mirren is one of Britain’s leading actresses and in 2007 won her first Academy Award for playing the lead title in ‘The Queen’. In June 2003 she was made a Dame of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Dame Helen has enjoyed international film success and her many screen credits include 'Calendar Girls' and 'Gosford Park'. On British television she became a household name in the 1990s playing Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison in the popular drama series 'Prime Suspect', winning the Best Actress BAFTA award three times.