Introducing StoryMonsters, Connecting Kids and Books

As a kid, I always remember the fun of learning about new books in print magazines like the Weekly Reader--and even in the colorful book orders we'd take home from class. I love the concept of StoryMonsters because it's a project that helps connect kids (and parents and teachers) with books.

There are a couple of websites associated with the project. StoryMonsters Ink is a monthly e-magazine with information on books, authors, and illustrators. The idea of the magazine is to help teachers, librarians, and parents choose great books for their kids. The magazine also offers useful tools for homeschoolers, including teaching aids.

StoryMonsters also has a program where authors can apply to have their books considered for a "Story Monster Approved designation" which is a "kid-approved" seal for books which not only pass the scrutiny of adult judges but also are given high scores from a panel of kids who read and judge the books. There are three age-based categories for the awards: Preschool to Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6. The awards also make distinctions between fiction and nonfiction. For more information, visit http://www.storymonsters.com.

StoryMonsters is a project of Five Star Publications, a company which has been connecting readers and authors since 1985.