CHANDLER, AZ (March 13, 2017) – It’s been 23 years in the making. After more than 1,500 school and library visits in 17 different states, science writer, editor, national award-winning children’s author and master storyteller Conrad J. Storad is set to reach a personal goal. On Thursday, March 16, during author presentations for the more than 600 students at Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona, he will read to his one millionth student.

“It’s exciting! What a privilege it has been to be asked to visit so many schools and libraries over the years,” says Storad. “I’m honored that I’ve had the opportunity to make even a small impact on numerous young people.”

Storad, currently the science and nature editor for Story Monsters Ink® magazine, has written more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults, including the USA Best Book winner Rattlesnake Rules, the ONEBOOKAZ for Kids 2012 selection Arizona Way Out West & Witty (co-authored with Lynda Exley), and Monster in the Rocks, the 2014 Arizona selection for the "52 Great Reads” program sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

“I believe a good nonfiction story should be more than just the facts,” says Storad. “Seeing kids’ faces light up when I talk to them about science or nature in a way that connects for them is what makes my job fun.”

A firm believer of instilling a love of reading at an early age, Storad has served as a Story Monster Reading Ambassador since Story Monster’s inception in 2014. Storad played an integral role in giving Story Monster a voice to share his message that “Reading is fun!” among students across the country.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador,” says Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. “Conrad’s enthusiasm and ability to captivate an audience is inspiring. It truly is an honor to have him out there sharing Story Monster’s message with young people. I want to congratulate Conrad on his great accomplishment of reading to one million students.”

Until his retirement in 2010, Storad spent over 24 years as executive editor for the nationally acclaimed ASU Research Magazine. Prior to that, he was a reporter, editor and general manager for The Barberton Herald newspaper in northeast Ohio. Storad 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.

To learn more about Conrad J. Storad or to schedule an author visit, please visit www.ConradStoradBooks.com or email cstorad@cox.net.

Story Monsters LLC, formerly Five Star Publications, Inc., is dedicated to helping authors of all genres strive for excellence with book production, marketing and promotion. From publishing the award-winning Story Monsters Ink® magazine, to providing Publishers Support Services in areas such as editing, cover design and publicity, Story Monsters LLC is a place to tell your story. For more information, visit www.StoryMonsters.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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