Percibald Garcia isn’t an actor or voiceover artist. He’s not a teacher or childcare worker. But since May, the 27-year-old architect has been a popular storyteller among some kids in quarantine.
During the pandemic, weeks of confinement—no friends, no group activities—have been dull and dreary, especially for children.
“Almost nobody was looking after the way that kids were experiencing this lockdown,” Garcia says.
For months now, Garcia has taken his “wandering microphone” into the green spaces between buildings in an enormous Mexico City apartment complex. There he broadcasts stories while children listen.
During His time on Earth, Jesus told stories. He often spoke in parables because He knows that stories can reveal truth, overcome barriers, gather people together—and even change them.
Garcia reads stories like El Tlacuache Lunatico (The Crazy Opossum) by David Martín del Campo. He often plays songs by Mexican children’s composer Francisco Gabilondo Soler. Children pop up at the windows of the multistory buildings for the show. A few venture out with parents to sit on the grass or a bench.
“The public plaza has been extremely important in Mexico since the time of our ancestors,” Garcia notes. “It is where people meet, talk, where the life of a neighborhood develops.” The pandemic hit this aspect of life hard, because people have been encouraged not to go out or gather. He calls his reading project “De la Casa a la Plaza” (“From the house to the plaza”).
Garcia believes his readings help to reclaim those shared spaces—and stem the movement to a digital world. “In the last three months, everything has gone online—work, contacts, shopping,” he says. “This is an act of resistance in the face of this ferocious digitalization.”
Rogelio Morales listens from his grandmother’s window. Since March, the nine-year-old has spent much of his time playing video games. “The only thing I go out for is to walk my dog,” he says. “It’s a little boring.”
But of the storytelling, Rogelio says, “It’s nice. We can relax a little.”
Luna Gonzalez came outside with her mother. They listened to Garcia from a safe distance, both wearing face masks. “I imagine what the animals are like,” says Luna. “I get bored at home.”
Rogelio’s grandmother, Maria Elena Sevilla, also sits at the window. “It is not just children he is entertaining,” she says. “It is people of my age too.”
These days, most of his neighbors have cellphones, tablets, or computers. But Garcia wants them to hear the human voice—and thrill in the world of shared tales.
Random question for Desarose and Belwyn.
@Belwyn, are you a boy or a girl? @Desarose are you a boy or a girl?
this is mylee
Desarose is a girl. And Belwyn is two ppl bel and her brother wyn . She may not spell bel like that i think its shortend. sry for answering a question meant for somebody else XD.
@ Mylee S. and Caro
Mylee, no, you are fine and correct! Wyn is a girl, though!
this is mylee
opps so sry ....... *Facepalm*
this is mylee
are ya'lls name shortened on here ? Do you spell belle like that ? so sry...
@Caro
Yeah like how or why did he go bad?
@Everyone: All this about what gender we are just goes to show how bad our assumptions can be!! XDXD We fall into a habit of just assuming things and then they are so wrong! XD I have done it so many times!
@Riley,
the plot of my story is that he had an abusive mom and a distent rich dad, and Peter Pan was his childhood bully. Hook was terrified of crocidials and Pan pulled a prank that made Hook's arm need to be amputated. (it included a crocidial.) Smee is his best friend, and in my story he is only sixteen. Peter Pan also kidnaps kids, and a big point of the story is that history is written by the victors and Hook was actually good. Pan was the villan.
@Twins
Thanks for the help!!!!!!
@ Mylee S.
No, no, you're fine! In Belwyn there are parts of 2 names stuck together; Bel is short for my real name, Bella. Wyn is short for Kaewyn. We're sisters. Did that clear everything up? Don't feel bad; we've explained it a lot, so we're used to it! :)
@ Riley D.
Yeah, same!
@ All
Has anyone read The Shakespeare Stealer? We just finished reading it as a read-aloud 4 school and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! I almost cried at the end! (Idk why, it wasn't super moving, but I almost did!) 5 stars! * * * * *
שלום
(Did the subject line come through?)
@Riley
Haha so true! Wow, thats cool you and Mirela are pen pals!
@Bella (Can I call you that?)
I haven't read that one...what is it about?
@Caro (I can call you that, right?)
That sounds so interesting! Although...I have never watched Peter Pan XD But I sort of know the badguys and goodguys and some of the overall story. And yes, I am a girl!
@TypeWriters
So, this is sort of random, but I need some prayer. My parents are....sigh....thinking we might move for a little bit to a place in the middle east. (I think you can guess it!) So...we need prayer because we are sure it is God's call but moving from AK to a desert area will be a hard transition. Everyone seems pretty exited besides for me, though. I don't want to leave, so can you all pray that I can trust the Lord through all this? Thanks. (Sad smile:)
this is mylee
@Bella now I understand Thx I was thinking wyn was a boy name and just assumed it as Riley said XD XD. Kaewyn is a super cute name though for a girl LOL :) . @ Caro thats a cool plot about peter pan. There is stuff like that like disney facts that will ruin your childhood. XD @Belwyn no i have not read that. also ya'll did a good job on your world teen name for a long time i thought it was one person with the name belwyn XDXP LOL .
this is mylee
@Dessie I will be praying I hate change too.....
*-* :) ;)
@Dessie(can I call you that?), Yes! I'll pray!!! I remember when we moved permanatly back to the US, I had grown up mostly in China, that was my home. It has helped me remember that nowhere on earth is our real home. And yep! You can call me Caro! And I love your name! It is so cool!!! @Bel and Wyn, Cool names!!!! I'm going to see if my OverDrive has that book! @Twins, you are London and Mylee right? @Everyone (typewriters?), it is really fun to have this artical we can have chat room on. If anyone is on Scratch, I'm CakeSprite, I've only coded like two videos though.
@ Caroline
I was on Scratch, i was dimi_girl_yuri_4, but I left. My friend SMAAASH67 is on there, though. He's a youtuber. Tell him edelgrad_yuri_14 told him about you!
this is mylee
Yes we are london and mylee :) we use to do scratch XD.
@ Everyone
I can make a Quizlet class for us all! We can chat there. Don't ask me how, it'll come soon.
this is mylee
we have quizlet :).
@Lissa,
I didn't know you could chat on Scratch? I'm sorry, I probably won't, I feel safe on WorldTEEN, but I wouldn't on Scratch. Uh, what is Quizlet? Is it free? Cause I might be able to join..
@ Caroline
Quizlet is free. It's a flashcared website, but I'll find a way to make a class we can all talk on that's private, maybe w/ a password
@ Caroline
Quizlet is free. It's a flashcared website, but I'll find a way to make a class we can all talk on that's private, maybe w/ a password
@Lissa,
Well if you figure it out, let me know and I'll ask my parents if I can join!
@ twins S
What's your username? I'm edelgard_yuri_14, from the Fire Emblem Fan CLub
@ Caroline
It's fairly simple to join. And quite safe, I assure you. The only way you can chat is if you are able to edit other things
this is mylee
Lissa on quizlet or scratch.
God is not dead nor does He sleep! Amen!
@All thanks so much for your prayers. We might be leaving this summer and idk if i'll be able to get WORLDteen for a while there so thats why I might stop commenting after a few months....I am so sad to leave! :( :(
@Caro
Thanks for the encouragement:) Of course you can call me Dessie! Everyone does! :) And I really like the nickname you have too!
@Lissa
Um sorry...I am a very ignorant village girl...What is quizlet or scratch? I'm sorry I just have no clue....
@TypeWriters
Challenge! In ten minutes, try writing a short story that includes these five words!
Dragon
Igloo
Fry
Dungeon
Stolen
You don't have to put up what you get (those who accept my challenge) but I would sure like to see what you all come up with! (If you want to, that is. No pressure!) and I'm doing it too, same words, so I'll probably put up what I got tomorrow since I won't have time tonight:) Have fun!
(What do I put in the comment line?)
@Dessie, Thanks! I like your nickname too! I might do your challenge but not yet... After all we have school... I wish I could just automaticaly know everything I need to know and then just be able to read and write all day!
P.S.
Scratch is a coding website, I only know what Quizlet is from what Lissa told me but she said it is a flashcard website. Sorry for answering someone else's question!
@Above
@Dessie: Wow I hate change, but I will continues to pray. That is a huge decision to make. And I assume that means you leave your sled dogs behind? If so, that is sad too! You know I think I would like it in Alaska better than the middle east! So much goes on in the middle east that I would be hesitant to go there... but if God is calling your family, then that is what He is doing. Phew that is a hard challenge but I might try it!
@Belwyn: Um, I started it once when I was little, but never finished it, but I have been wanting too!
@ Everyone
I made the Quizlet Class for us all!
Go to quizlet.com and make yourself and account
Then Search World Teen Typewriters
See you there!
@ Twins s
On Quizlet. I made the class private, so you need an ok from me to get in.
@Lissa
Good for you, but I don't have a quizlet account and don't plan on getting one. Can we please keep the conversation on here too?
@ Lyssa and all
This Quizlet thing (what ever it is) sounds great and all, but does this mean no more Voice of a Storyteller? Because we're not going to be able to do it and I love it on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
Let's keep this going!! There is quizlet but we can also do this!
:)
@Lissa, I requested to join! I'm, caroline_n_typewriter
@Lissa,
Oh I just realized I spelled it wrong it is actually, caroline_n_typwriter. I forgot the e in typewriter!!!!!! LOL
@Belwyn
I agree because I am not going to be able to either, so I hope we can keep Voice of the Storyteller.
@Dessie, here is my ten minute story!
The Stolen Igloo
Once upon a time there was an ice dragon. He had a hoard of igloos. Every day he would walk by every one of them and polish them to a shine. One day he was walking to the spot his favorite one was at. It was gone!!!!! He saw footprints and drag marks then the snow got seriously messed up. And then there were wagon marks. He followed the wagon marks for weeks, as slowly the snow gave way to forests and grass. He was very worried about his 99 other igloos but he was pretty sure they would be fine since it was cold where they were. But the one that was stolen.. He was sure it was melting and he cried every night. One day he got to an expanse of yellow. When he felt it, it was like hot snow! You can probably guess that it was sand. He snatched his talons back as they fried. “Well, the only way I can get to that igloo, is by flying then,” He thought. Finally one day he got to a black, twisted, castle. He flew in one of the giant windows and landed lightly on the floor. He looked around and saw no other dragons. Just little tiny creatures that squeaked shrilly and ran at the sight of him. He made his way down to the dungeon. After all, all castles are made the same way and he had a castle himself. He finally found his precious igloo, and.. -to be continued
:)
So here is the full story. I just finished writing it.
The Stolen Igloo
Once upon a time there was an ice dragon. He had a hoard of igloos. Every day he would walk by every one of them and polish them to a shine. One day he was walking to the spot his favorite one was at. It was gone!!!!! He saw footprints and drag marks then the snow got seriously messed up. And then there were wagon marks. He followed the wagon marks for weeks, as slowly the snow gave way to forests and grass. He was very worried about his 99 other igloos but he was pretty sure they would be fine since it was cold where they were. But the one that was stolen.. He was sure it was melting and he cried every night. One day he got to an expanse of yellow. When he felt it, it was like hot snow! You can probably guess that it was sand. He snatched his talons back as they fried. “Well, the only way I can get to that igloo, is by flying then,” He thought. Finally, one day he got to a black, twisted, castle. He flew in one of the giant windows and landed lightly on the floor. He looked around and saw no other dragons. Just little tiny creatures that squeaked shrilly and ran at the sight of him. He made his way down to the dungeon. After all, all castles are made the same way and he had a castle himself. He finally found his precious igloo, and.. it was fine! Still shiny as a diamond. Still perfectly shaped. He breathed a sigh of relief. As he looked around for a key he saw that in every other cell there was a replica of his favorite igloo. That igloo was the only one HE ever made. But all the other ones weren’t quite right. A cracked ice cube here. A lopsided doorway there. “I see you’ve followed my humans,” a frail voice said. The ice dragon whipped around and saw another dragon. This one was yellow. Like the hot snow. “You see, we’ve been trying to replicate your igloo. We want to make igloos for our desert. So that was what that hot sand was called! “But you stole it. And this one is my favorite,” “I’m very sorry about that,” the yellow dragon wheazed. “We were desperate. But I know that is no reason to take your objects,” “Oh,” The ice dragon said. I suppose this is a good time to tell you his name. It is Hurrican. “Well if you need it, you can keep it. Can I just say goodbye?” “You would really do that? You would let us keep it? Of course you can say goodbye! Thank you!” “You’re welcome. I can make another one. And I still have 99 left,” The yellow dragon poduced a key and unlocked the door. Hurrican ran into the cell with his igloo and whispered “They need you more. Please help them,”Then he patted the igoo once more and left. A month later he was shaping another igloo. He was quite proud of himself for letting the desert dragons keep his first one, and so was his wife.
this is mylee
Nice story Caro :) . Um I have quizzlet I changed my username so i don't have any sets my name is Myself1313
this is mylee
what is the class called i couldnt find it on quizzlet.
@Mylee
I am not on there, but Lissa said to try "World Teen Typewriters" in the search, so maybe try that.
There is too much cooked cabbage in the world
@Caro
Very creative! I love it! Very, very creative and fun to read! Good job!
@Riley
Yes...we may have to leave the dogs. It is heartbreaking to me but I know I have to give it up if the Lord asks me too. Its very hard to deal with, but Jesus is helping me too. And we're not sure about that though! So maybe we won't have to leave them! I hope....
@Lissa
Sorry, our internet is simply horrid. So I won't be able to join:( Sorry...
@Typewriters
My ten minute story...I hope I got all the words..I think I did:) It's not so good because I have five siblings interrupting me all the time....but I sort of like it:)
Sir Johnson Wellington was a knight of great courage and nobility. He obeyed his king willingly in everything.
One day, his king summoned him to the court. “Sir Johnson, you have shown that you will do whatever I say.” The king said, smiling. Sir Johnson stood up straight, basking in his master’s praise. The king continued. “I have a task for you. I would like it if you would go about, ridding the kingdom of all dragons.” To this order Sir Johnson found he was struck dumb. He staggered backwards in shock. “But-but, sire,-” He began. The king’s eyes flashed. “Will you, or will you not obey me, Sir Johnson?” The king could get very angry at times. “Sire,” Sir Johnson said, a little shakily, “My son, Abe, has a little dragon he keeps as a pet. I cannot kill it! Abe is sick, and may be dying, sire. His forehead is hot enough to fry an egg, and all he has to cheer him is the dragon. Do not take my son’s only happiness away from him!” “Sir Johnson!” The king rose to his feet in anger. “Are you refusing me? Do I have to put you in the dungeon?” Sir Johnson sighed and shook his head. “No, your Highness.” He sighed sadly, and without another word, left the castle.
But by the time Sir Johnson had got home he had a plan. His wife met him at the door. “Is Abe any better?” Johnson asked. His wife’s eyes were filled with tears. “He is still very hot, yet he says he feels cold. Like an igloo. I’ve put all the blankets in the house on him, and he still says he’s cold.” Johnson smiled. “Mary, we’re moving. Maybe that will help him.” Mary’s eyes widened. “When?” “Right now!” Johnson exclaimed. “Better start packing!”
So that night they stole away. They both had horses, and Abe rode on his father’s with his dragon trailing them. They climbed mountains, crossed rivers, and soon came to a village where they knew the wicked king would never find them. And there they settled. Abe recovered in the fresh mountain air, and Johnson gave up his position as a knight and got a job as a law enforcer. And while he kept a watchful eye on the town, nothing was ever stolen.
There is too much cooked cabbage in the world
@Caro
Very creative! I love it! Very, very creative and fun to read! Good job!
@Riley
Yes...we may have to leave the dogs. It is heartbreaking to me but I know I have to give it up if the Lord asks me too. Its very hard to deal with, but Jesus is helping me too. And we're not sure about that though! So maybe we won't have to leave them! I hope....
@Lissa
Sorry, our internet is simply horrid. So I won't be able to join:( Sorry...
@Typewriters
My ten minute story...I hope I got all the words..I think I did:) It's not so good because I have five siblings interrupting me all the time....but I sort of like it:)
Sir Johnson Wellington was a knight of great courage and nobility. He obeyed his king willingly in everything.
One day, his king summoned him to the court. “Sir Johnson, you have shown that you will do whatever I say.” The king said, smiling. Sir Johnson stood up straight, basking in his master’s praise. The king continued. “I have a task for you. I would like it if you would go about, ridding the kingdom of all dragons.” To this order Sir Johnson found he was struck dumb. He staggered backwards in shock. “But-but, sire,-” He began. The king’s eyes flashed. “Will you, or will you not obey me, Sir Johnson?” The king could get very angry at times. “Sire,” Sir Johnson said, a little shakily, “My son, Abe, has a little dragon he keeps as a pet. I cannot kill it! Abe is sick, and may be dying, sire. His forehead is hot enough to fry an egg, and all he has to cheer him is the dragon. Do not take my son’s only happiness away from him!” “Sir Johnson!” The king rose to his feet in anger. “Are you refusing me? Do I have to put you in the dungeon?” Sir Johnson sighed and shook his head. “No, your Highness.” He sighed sadly, and without another word, left the castle.
But by the time Sir Johnson had got home he had a plan. His wife met him at the door. “Is Abe any better?” Johnson asked. His wife’s eyes were filled with tears. “He is still very hot, yet he says he feels cold. Like an igloo. I’ve put all the blankets in the house on him, and he still says he’s cold.” Johnson smiled. “Mary, we’re moving. Maybe that will help him.” Mary’s eyes widened. “When?” “Right now!” Johnson exclaimed. “Better start packing!”
So that night they stole away. They both had horses, and Abe rode on his father’s with his dragon trailing them. They climbed mountains, crossed rivers, and soon came to a village where they knew the wicked king would never find them. And there they settled. Abe recovered in the fresh mountain air, and Johnson gave up his position as a knight and got a job as a law enforcer. And while he kept a watchful eye on the town, nothing was ever stolen.
:)
Thanks for the positive feedback! It wasn't the best story but it was fun to write! @Dessie, I love your story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should continue it!!!!! And you wrote waaaaaay more in ten minutes than me!!!!!!!
:)
P.S. Dessie, you could go into more detail about the escape, and him being the law inforcer and Abe growing up! Abe could help save dragons from extinction! Just some ideas!
@Caro
Thank you! I actually have a LOT of practice on ten minute writing plunges, so thats why:)
I do plan on continuing it! (Maybe a sequel?) The end sentence was supposed to be 'nothing was ever stolen, no one was ever murdered, and the people grew to love and respect him more than anyone else' but I was out of time! I did want to put more detail into the escape, but again, was running out of time:) And I will probably lose those ideas, they were great!
Of course you had fun writing your story! I could tell!
~Dessie
@Caro
Thank you! I actually have a LOT of practice on ten minute writing plunges, so thats why:)
I do plan on continuing it! (Maybe a sequel?) The end sentence was supposed to be 'nothing was ever stolen, no one was ever murdered, and the people grew to love and respect him more than anyone else' but I was out of time! I did want to put more detail into the escape, but again, was running out of time:) And I will probably lose those ideas, they were great!
Of course you had fun writing your story! I could tell!
~Dessie
:)
Dessie, I'm glad you could tell that I liked writing it! After I finished (which took about five more minutes) I tried to print it but our printer wasn't working so then I wrote it all down in, like, picture book format(so I can illistrate it!) and brought it to my grandma to read! ~Caro
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