WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. -- Albert Einstein once said: "Imagination is more important that knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world."

This week's 7Everyday hero takes that to heart. She opens minds without ever cracking a book.

Bev Brayden is keeping the art of storytelling alive in our schools. She is a volunteer for a group called Spellbinders.

"We tell stories eye to eye and heart to heart. The reason we do it is literacy," said Brayden.

The students at Prospect Valley Elementary love it when Brayden tells her stories.

"I like it because you don't have a book," said Kate, a kindergartner.

Brayden's stories engage student's imaginations, help pass along wisdom, and connect young and old.

"A lot of my kids' grandparents don't live here in Colorado. So for them it's a nice connection with someone who is older and has a different perspective on things," said Trish Seibert, kindergarten teacher.

Brayden has also learned to use music and rhyme to teach students. She also plays the ukulele.

"When she plays the ukulele, I like that," said Scott, a kindergartner.

Brayden has done this twice a month at various schools for 22 years.

"She makes it so much fun for the kids. When she comes in they just light up," said Seibert.

Brayden's only pay is the feedback she gets in return from appreciative students.

"'You are my new role model. You have taught me to give and be kind. I will never forget you.' Those are the rewards," said Brayden.

To learn more about Spellbinders visit: www.SpellBinders.org.