This handy, new guide to storytelling through the ages is sure to spark the next generation of dynamic storytellers. It’s a perfect addition to story hour—both in the classroom or at home. No ifs, ums, aahhs, or dead silence about it!

Book Details

eISBN: 978-1-58985-243-3

Pub Date: January 7, 2022

Digital Format: PDF

Download Info: Once your order is complete, you will receive an email with a link to download the book.

Activity Guide

Parents, Teachers and Librarians! Download the FREE Activity Guide to use with kids ages 6 and up with Story Monsters Among Us!

What Folks Are Saying …

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is an enjoyable read reminding us of the power of story—past, present, and future. Story Monsters come in many shapes and sizes. They love nothing more than a good story. It takes us all the way back to the ancient past and then into the future reminding us of the evolution of storytelling throughout various cultures; from cave paintings in southern France 31,000 years ago, to cuneiform impressions 6,000 years ago in southern Iraq, Aesop’s fables in 400BC, the creation of paper 1900 years ago in China, Shakespeare’s plays at the Globe Theatre in 1275AD, the Grimm brothers in 1810 in Germany, Dr. Seuss in 1961, and the near future on Mars. I loved this journey through time.

The illustrations not only enhance the story but are also charming, each showing the shapeshifting Story Monsters living among us throughout history and across cultures. This is an educational read for both children and adults. The book includes a “Words to Learn” list and an activity guide that parents and teachers will find helpful. This book would be an ideal addition to your classroom and/or library and a welcome gift to children who have the love of storytelling.

I received an electronic ARC from Story Monsters Press. Opinions expressed here are my own.”

— Betty Taylor, Reading is My Passion blog

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Storad introduces readers to storytelling and shares briefly about what they will see in this book. He then takes us back to the first recorded drawings and writing and moves through history. Love the Story Monsters observing everything and participating at times. I appreciate that cultures from across the globe are included so readers see diverse civilizations and the roots of their own cultures. The book brings us into predictions for the future where humans travel to other planets and bring their stories with them. A brief summary of storytelling that captures the historical process and lets readers decide on the connections to our modern time.”

— Pam Gombert, Librarian, Goodreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Conrad J. Storad’s ‘Story Monsters Among Us: A Brief History of Human Storytelling’ was a joy to read! The text by Storad and the unique and colorful illustrations by Jeff Yesh made the information about the history of storytelling come alive.

The mysterious shapeshifting Story Monster that moves throughout the past and into the future will most definitely engage young readers as they learn about various cultures and the art of storytelling within those cultures. The addition of word definitions and an activity guide at the end of the book are a great bonus that parents and teachers will especially appreciate.

It isn’t easy to create a book that is educational and informative while still being fun and interactive, but Storad has succeeded in doing just that!”

— Deborah Edmisten, Author

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was really fun to read. I loved how it was teaching history in a comic form. My third grader loved reading it.”

— Sheila Gentry, Teacher

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brightly colored illustrations demonstrate the long-ago history of story writing and storytelling in a fun and intriguing way. Pictures really are worth a thousand words! This cleverly written book allows for a self-reader or a storyteller to educate while also engaging the imagination.”

— Cynthia Kern OBrien, Award-winning Author and Publisher

“Award-winning author, Conrad J. Storad, has a wonderful format for his books that includes laying a background, telling a delightful story, supporting the vocabulary in the story, and sharing ideas with parents and teachers to reinforce the story told; at the same time including talented artist illustrators who visually bring each page to life. This book presents an enlightening history of storytelling and story tellers. I particularly enjoyed following the historical characters through the ages and their ways of storytelling, the brightly colored images, and the ‘four-eyed monster’ who turns monsters into friends. As a fan of Storad's ‘Arizona Way Out West & Wacky’ series, I highly recommend this book and look forward to sharing it with the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District (Cottonwood, AZ), local librarians, friends, and my great-granddaughter, Austrie Gray. Thank you, Mr. Storad, for bringing fun, laughter, enlightenment, and great stories to educate and brighten children's lives across the world.”

— Isabel Erickson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Team Leader of Educational Programs for Children, Verde Historical Society and Clemenceau Heritage Museum

About the Author

Conrad J. Storad is an award-winning author and editor of more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults, including Monster in the Rocks, Gator, Gator, Second Grader (Classroom Pet…or Not?), the “USA Best Book” Rattlesnake Rules, and the ONEBOOKAZ for Kids 2012 selection Arizona Way Out West & Witty. He holds an undergraduate degree in mass media communication from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in mass communication/science journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. Storad resides in Ohio with his wife, Laurie, and their rescue wiener dog, Frankie. Learn more at: www.conradjstorad.com.

About the Illustrator

Jeff Yesh is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer whose award-winning work has been featured in multiple children's books, including A Squirrel's Story—A True Tale. Yesh is also the artistic talent behind the Story Monsters character and is the graphic designer for the award-winning Story Monsters Ink, the literary resource for parents, teachers and librarians. Yesh graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. He lives in Indiana with his wife, two daughters and a slew of pets.