"The story of two cute stuffed animals – Hank, a dog, and Stella, a bunny – who learn what improv is all about. There are even some fun improv games you can play with your kids at the back of the book."

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“You’re not onstage, trying to be funny,” said Damian Synadinos, an author-illustrator of a children’s book about improv. “You’re trying to be truthful, and that’s what’s funny.”

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"And, by identifying and understanding my reasons for writing a children’s book, it helped guide me as I determined What to write about (improv – to be educational) and How to write it (as a picture book – to be entertaining)."

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"I have seen various books on how to do improv, but they have always been geared towards adults or older teens. Enter Something from Nothing by Damian Synadinos, a picture book that teaches children the principles of improvisation in a fun and engaging way."

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"[My kids] loved it. We started playing games right away. My daughters asked me to keep it in their room and I've seen them flipping through it since."

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"A fun story but also gives instructions on how to do improv which was a nice change from other children’s books. We even had to stop in the middle and try out our own improv."

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"You managed to convey the concept of improv in a way children can relate to."

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"Author and illustrator, Synadinos, playfully brings eight improvisational speaking rules to life."

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"This entertaining book will be a welcome addition to your young reader’s library."

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"The Improv Book you didn’t know you needed. ... perfect for inspiring creativity at home or school."

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"I love the message in your book. It's fun, educational without being pedantic, and very inviting. The bonus activities to do on your own, and encouragement to make up new ones, is awesome and lets them start doing improv from the get-go."

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"Loved the book, the teaching through poetry was great. The 'yes and' poem might be my favorite one. The teaching mistakes are opportunities was also a really great thing to learn. 

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I liked the style of it, and how you are learning improv at the same time as the characters in the book was clever. The illustrations were unique and fun."​

"Hank and Stella are a hit in the Palermo house. The boys gave 'I liked it's'. I liked it, too. You did a great job of introducing the 'prov basics."

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"Dad turns interest in improv into new book (Aug 2021)"

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"The book is so cute! It is on my bookshelf with my other favorite books."

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"The illustrations are sweet and fun. I love that Damian created thought bubbles so readers can see what Stella and Hank are describing. ...I am looking forward to sharing this book with my classroom."

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"Discussing and practicing these improv 'rules' can help children develop their imaginations, play cooperatively, increase their confidence, and much, much more."

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"As an improviser who has gone through multiple training programs, this book really brings me back to the roots of improv.  What I love about this book is that, while it is for kids, is a fun read for adults, too.  It's quick-witted, sharp, and includes pairs of rhymes that work well together.  The idea of improv is so simple and yet so complex, and this story dives into this in an indirect way that doesn't distract but rather enhances the meaning of "yes, and" by teaching the foundation for children and providing a solid reminder for the adults (or the kid in you) how to approach improv and how to quite literally take "something from nothing."

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"Not just a picture book for kids. An important lesson for parents, caregivers and teachers."

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August 26, 2018

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December 9, 2018

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"This book is unique because it is a picture book about a term you wouldn’t see in a regular one."

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"I think it is an excellent tool for drama teachers. I may even use some of the rhymes for the University students I teach to help them remember the principles. As an educational tool, it is simple, clever, and well-explained."

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August 10, 2019

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