By Shelley Koppel

Entertainment writer

STUART - Children's entertainer Darrell House wears many hats. He is a singer, songwriter, author, storyteller and literacy advocate.

He brings all his talents to bear when he performs on July 11 at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach at 11 a.m. and at the Blake Library in Stuart at 2 p.m. He spoke recently about the serious business of entertaining children.

Mr. House had been a musician all his life, but he began writing songs for children when his own kids were in elementary school.

"It was a way to beat traffic," he said. "I went early to pick up the kids and I'd park under a tree and wait for 30 minutes. I started writing to entertain my kids and make them laugh. I write about speed bumps and clouds and messy rooms, things to make my girls laugh. It grew and grew."

When his daughters were young, they made a butterfly garden and Mr. House spun a tale about a caterpillar who wants to fly. The result was the book "Miller the Green Caterpillar," a work that gently spoke about holding onto a dream.

"He goes to the other critters to learn how to fly, but he doesn't just dream," Mr. House said. "It's about setting goals and working to make them come true."

Mr. House read to his daughters every night, wanting to spread the message of the joys of the imagination.

"It became a natural direction, talking about how wonderful reading and imagination is," Mr. House said. "There are so many people you can meet and places you can go in your imagination."

Mr. House mixes his stories with original songs, poetry and sing-alongs. He loves working at libraries because of the mix of ages that come to his show.

"The focus was on grades 1-3 for my kids," he said. "I maintained the focus. Fourth- and fifth-graders first think they're more hip and then they like the songs. My demographic changed, but my commitment to being a good songwriter never faltered."

While there are gentle lessons in Mr. House's words, the emphasis is on fun.

"It's high-energy," he said. "I love the sounds of words. I work it all into a conversation and it's never exactly the same show. I write funny stuff and try to make them laugh."

Author and musician Darrell House comes to the Hoke Library, 1150 N.W. Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach on July 11 at 11 a.m. and to the Blake Library. 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart, on July 11 at 2 p.m. The event is free. Call (772) 221-1403 for more information.