New Book Aims to Jumpstart the Art of Storytelling to Engage Young Readers

CHANDLER, AZ (January 14, 2021)—Story Monsters LLC is entering the final stages of a Kickstarter campaign designed to reignite a love of stories in young readers. In partnership with award-winning children’s author and science journalist, Conrad J. Storad, Story Monsters is aiming to raise US$7,500 in donations by January 31. With days left to contribute, 51% of the project has already been funded.

Funds raised will contribute to publishing and delivering 5,000 digital copies of Storad’s upcoming work, Story Monsters Among Us: A Brief History of Human Storytelling (Story Monsters Press), to schools and libraries across the nation in 2021.

The playful narrative whisks the reader away on a journey spanning 50,000 years to discover the origins of storytelling—from the Chauvet Cave painters of southern France to the brothers Grimm to modern-day stories in the digital age. Expertly and authentically penned to engage the imagination of young listeners, Storad, the author of more than 50 children’s science and nature books, has described the book as his ‘legacy work’: an effort to kindle an interest in junior readers telling their own stories.

"I've been working on this book off and on for almost six years. The writing finally came together during this pandemic,” said Storad. “I am very proud of this book and can’t wait to get it into the hands of teachers, librarians and readers of all ages.”

Story Monsters Among Us: A Brief History of Human Storytelling is brought to life with delightful illustrations by Jeff Yesh that will capture children’s hearts and minds and help to reinstate story time as the favorite part of the day.

In exchange for pledging to the Kickstarter campaign, backers are eligible for a variety of rewards depending on the level on contribution. For example, for a pledge of $25, the backer will receive a paperback copy of the book; or for $2,500, the backer will be acknowledged as a sponsor in the book and on its website. With each pledge level, schools and libraries will also receive a specified number of printed and digital copies of the book. 85% of the funds earned through Kickstarter will be used for production and printing costs with the remaining 15% allocated for marketing and publicity.

“We’ve been so encouraged by the enthusiastic response and generous pledges,” said Linda F. Radke, president and publisher of Story Monsters LLC. “Story Monsters Among Us is such a fantastic tool for parents, teachers and librarians to help foster a child’s love of reading. If we reach our Kickstarter goal, together we begin a whole new age of storytelling with each donation we receive.”

To donate to Story Monsters’ Kickstarter campaign and encourage a love of reading and storytelling in children, go to kickstarter.com/projects/storymonsters/story-monsters-among-us-by-conrad-j-storad.

For more information about Story Monsters LLC, Story Monsters Press, or Conrad J. Storad, visit www.StoryMonsters.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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