CHANDLER, AZ (August 29, 2019)—Story Monster, the lovable, huggable mascot for Story Monsters LLC, is returning to the Children’s Learning & Play Festival on Sept. 7 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Focused on literacy, education and early childhood development, the festival is the perfect place for families to learn, explore and play together. Last year’s event attracted 13,000 attendees. This year, Story Monster will be part of the Story Monster & Friends Reading Zone, where “Reading Takes You Up, Up and Away!” with fun activities for children that center on the love of reading.

“We are so excited to have Story Monsters LLC running our Reading Zone this year,” said Austin Unger, event co-producer. “This feature area will be where you meet children’s authors and illustrators and get to sit down and hear live readings. Literacy is such an important part of this event.”

The Reading Zone will feature Story & Craft Time with some of Story Monster’s favorite authors, including award-winners Kathy Peach, author of The Tiniest Tumbleweed and Rosemary Lyn, co-author of The Gift of Haley. Families will also be able to browse and purchase books, make crafts, take photos with Story Monster, and so much more! Anyone who attends the festival is also eligible to get a free, one-year (12 issues) digital subscription to Story Monsters Ink®, the best news in books.

“This event is such a great way to reach kids to get them #caughtreading by showing them that reading can be fun,” says Linda F. Radke, president and founder of Story Monsters LLC. “We look forward to being out in the community spreading Story Monster’s message.”

The Children’s Learning & Play Festival is Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260. Admission is free. Food concessions, face painting and rides are available at additional cost. Parking is $5.

Story Monsters LLC is home to the award-winning Story Monsters Ink® magazine and supports authors and publishers of all genres through a host of publishing and marketing programs and services. For more information, visit www.storymonsters.com, Facebook or Instagram.

###