Welcome to Story Monsters Ink®
What Kind of Shoes Does a Hippopotamus Choose? written by Kat Maconie, illustrated by Sebastien Braun
September 2025 Issue
Our September line-up includes interviews with Hayden Coles, Diane Green, Grant Merritt, Kat Maconie, and Susannah Lloyd! Conrad Storad is hopping around, Judy Newman is ready for the new school year, and Nick Spake reviews Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado!
And be sure to check out our newest book reviews and fall reading list. It’s all inside!
PUT YOUR BOOKS AND PRODUCTS IN FRONT OF OUR READERS!
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Are you an author who wants to promote your virtual school visits?
Do you have an online store and want to increase your reach?
Advertise in Story Monsters Ink!
Email cristy@storymonsters.com for information about our marketing and promotion options.
This Month’s Sponsored Book Picks!
BOOK SPOTLIGHT
Jayden lives and breathes farming the land alongside his faithful four-legged companion. But his new neighbor isn’t quite so understanding, and when several sheep go missing, the dog is quickly blamed for it. It’s up to Jayden to prove Moss’s innocence, but will he be able to bring the real culprit to justice before his time runs out?
“A lightweight but touching tale of a helpful animal companion and his grateful owner.” —Kirkus
SUBMIT A BOOK FOR REVIEW
Contact cristy@storymonsters.com for submission guidelines!
EXAMPLE REVIEW
Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup
by Zira Nauryzbai, Lilya Kalaus
(Amazon Crossing Kids)
Reviewer: Deb Greenberg
Batu is your ordinary kid in present-day Almaty. Aspara is the Golden Warrior who steps out of the cover of Batu’s notebook. It’s taken hundreds of years for Aspara to be summoned to the human world to search for the Golden Cup. Seeking adventure and purpose, Batu ventures out with Aspara and his friends to locate the Golden Cup. Middle-schoolers are bound to be entertained while being introduced to Kazakhstan history and culture. (Ages 8-12)
“My life’s mission is to get excellent books in the hands of as many kids as possible. Story Monsters Ink is an incredible resource for teachers and librarians and parents—anyone at all—who shares that mission. Through feature stories about talented children’s book authors and illustrators and kid-friendly book-inspired activities, Story Monsters Ink does a wonderful job of bringing books to life and introducing kids to the joys of reading for fun. I urge you to pick up this magazine. You’ll love it!”
– Judy Newman
Chief Impact Officer, Scholastic