Story Monsters LLC Everything Children’s Books

08/08/2025

I know the review is long, and I realize the usual rule when sharing is to condense and keep the message short and sweet. But this isn’t just any book—it’s a collection of poetry from the students of one extraordinary teacher. For the past ten years, she (Sheila Rowe) entrusted School Express Press, an imprint of Story Monsters LLC, to publish a class book each year.

This review is remarkable because the reviewer gets it. How do you comment on only a handful of poems without leaving out so many others? This reviewer understands that, and approaches the work not only as a reviewer, but as a person with kindness, empathy, and a genuine understanding of what publishing is all about—inspiring the hearts and minds of today’s youth and tomorrow’s generation.

As a former teacher, special education teacher, parent, and publisher, I can say this is one of those rare moments where a review captures both the spirit of the work and the impact it has on the students who created it. That’s why I feel it’s worth sharing the full review—because to edit it down would be to lose the completeness of what this project represents.

Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)

Pulse is a FANTASTIC collection of poems from a variety of creative and thoughtful young minds! We might even call it... outstanding!

Who would've thought that poems written by middle schoolers would be so deep, dynamic, powerful, beautiful, emotional, expressive, high-quality, and thought-provoking? Some of these poems—dare we say—are more pleasant and enjoyable to read that poems written by much older and more experienced poets!

This poetry collection really restored and renewed our hope in this future/up-and-coming generation. Times may be uncertain, but the future appears to be in good hands if these intelligent, brave, talented, creative, and thoughtful kiddos are any indication.

So, we're in a bit of a conundrum. See, we read, enjoyed, and appreciated every single one of the poems in this collection in one way or another. We think that every single one of these young writers and their poems have something special to offer. However, we didn't take notes about every single one, which might limit our ability to discuss and highlight every single one. With that said, we wanted to highlight all of them at least once, so here it goes... this collection features the poems of:

Alfredo Alegria (writer of "Life is a Wheel")

Arlette Amaro-Arias (writer of "Abuelita’s Tamales")

Anaisa Baldenegro-Navarro (writer of "Academics" and others)

Gage Bluestein (writer of "Snake")

Raina Coleman (writer of "Exotic Canopy")

Sofia Gonzalez (writer of "A Lost Love" and others)

Thomas Husted Billingsley (writer of "The Past. The Present. The Future.")

Jasmine Jamison (writer of "A Forever Friend")

Marianna Jimenez Godoy (writer of "Is Anyone There?")

Aria Lacchei (writer of "The Night Discovery" and others)

Milanni Macias (writer of "My Story")

Isabella Mendez-Higareda (writer of "Where I’m From")

Naomi Rodriguez Herrera (writer of "Saying Goodbye")

Lesley Serrano (writer of "Alien?" and others)

Anna Truong (writer of "Love is a Sunset")

Meraly Uribe Franco (writer of "Dark Shadows")

Amaiyah Valdez (writer of "Dream in Progress" and others)

Alexa Webb (writer of "In the Forest")

Julia Young (writer of "Pain")

And what's incredible is that, despite there being so many poems and contributors in this book, it FLIES! It flows so well!

Amaiyah Valdez contributed multiple poems to this collection, and each of them hit hard in their own unique ways. In "From the Heart" we really loved all of the metaphors and similes she used to describe different struggles and emotions she and other people experience. For example:

"Happiness is like lightning and thunder
The light never travels alone
Anxiety is like a tornado
It starts small but picks up debris and grows"

Also, notice how the "O" sound is used in rhyme here.

Lesley Serrano also gave us a number of impactful, heartfelt poems. One of them "Alien?" is one that played tug-o-war with our hearts as patriotic Americans but also as former immigrants in our ways.

The poem immediately confronts the label of "Alien" used by USCIS (the American immigration system) to describe immigrants. Serrano retorts:

"We are not aliens.
Why are we given that name?
We are not martians.
We are all one and the same."

Now, there were certain things that bugged us about statements and far-left talking points in the poem like "Eat the Rich" and "Let's see how he feels once his country falls"--almost celebrating and applauding these ideas we don't particularly agree with. At the same time, we understand the overall animosity and sentiment. The writer sees their people being persecuted and wronged, so they are essentially saying, "Wait 'til it happens to your people and your country, then you'll understand how we feel."

We get it. We may not like or agree with it, but we get it.

Serrano, an 8th grader, seems to be the activist in the bunch. There's always one.

Hey, Steven was a loud mouthed, obnoxious activist in 8th grade. Spoke out against the Iraq War before it was the Iraq War we know today. Wonder what happened with that?

Anyway, Serrano contributed another noteworthy poem called "Never" with colors as the theme. The color symbolism reflect on missed connections, misunderstood people, and personal regret. Each color—red, blue, green, yellow, pink—represents a person the speaker failed to truly see or connect with, whether due to judgment, insecurity, or indifference. The repeated phrase “I never…” emphasizes the weight of those lost opportunities, creating a confessional and emotionally vulnerable tone. Through vivid metaphors and introspective voice, the poem explores themes of loneliness, growth, and the quiet pain of realizing too late that someone mattered. It’s one of the most emotionally mature and symbolically rich works in Pulse, leaving a lasting impression. At the same time, it could be argued that colors have connotations and insinuations, especially when it comes to associating specific people with them, which can always be a sensitivity issue.

Anna Truong, an 6th grader, gives us "Love is a Sunset"--one of our favorite poems in the collection! It's a breathtaking metaphorical poem that uses celestial imagery to trace the arc of a fading love—one that begins in admiration, slips into confusion, and ends in reluctant acceptance. Framed around the daily dance between the sun and moon, the poem draws a vivid parallel between the natural world and human emotion.

The sun falls in love with the moon during their brief meetings at twilight, but over time, the distance between them grows—until all that’s left is silence and yearning. Truong’s language is both tender and devastating, capturing the innocence of a first crush and the grief of emotional abandonment. The metaphor deepens in the second half, where the speaker confesses the pain of being "abandoned, stale, and collecting dust," offering a heartbreakingly specific image of being left behind. And yet, the poem doesn’t end in bitterness—it ends in bittersweet truth. Like the sun and moon, some people were never meant to stay together, no matter how much love once existed. It’s a remarkably mature meditation on unrequited love, longing, and letting go—especially coming from a sixth grader. Quietly stunning.

Some things to note: this is one of the rare times when the sun is personified as female while the moon is personified as male. It's usually the other way around (with the moon being feminine and the sun being masculine). Perhaps some female empowerment can be inferred from this?

We loved certain passages in this book. For example:

"..we are always chasing each other’s shadows
I spent many birthdays
closing my eyes
wishing upon candles for you to disappear"

We really loved the pairing of the words "shadows" and "candles" here. It's unconventional but it works!

Anaisa Baldanegro Navarro, an 8th grader, brings us the poem "Academics."

This poem really spoke to us as former scholastic overachievers and perfectionists ourselves. The education system and everyone (and everything) around it puts an enormous amount of pressure on students to succeed. Schools are set up like prisons. If you're caught off campus grounds during school hours, it's considered truancy. You're expected to follow a rigid schedule with set times of rest and work. The expectations are high and constant—relentless.

So much weight is put on the shoulders of these kids. You know, there are pros and cons to that. It teaches discipline and hard work. The problem is—as this poem points out—it sometimes seems endless and pointless. How many more 100% scores in a row can you get? How many more times can you make the Dean's List? Get an A+? Succeeded at everything and anything they put in front of you? Does it make you rich? Does it actually get you a great job?

Not to make this overly personal, but look at us... reviewing books for pennies an hour after getting A's in high school and college, working 9 to 5 jobs for years—being told that if we just did good in school and worked hard, everything was gonna be ok. We were gonna be set. We weren't gonna be reviewing books for pennies an hour every day, presumably for the rest of our lives. And we bought into the same idealistic beliefs about academia that Navarro alludes to.

There's a real sense of overwhelm and dread in this poem which resonated with us:

"Failed
Rejected
Wrong"

"Hallways full of dread
Where echoes of ambition tread
Books piled high, a mountain steep
A constant climb, no time for sleep...

I realize
What if I hadn’t earned the ribbon?
Can I ever be forgiven?
Will pity or dishonor ensue?
And above all else, will love still be given by you?"

When is enough enough?
"Will this pressure ever stop?
Lonely, sad, and all the above?
Forgetting to practice a little self-love?"

"All the above" almost sounds like "All of the Above" which is a possible answer on most tests.

Another special thing about this poem is the repetition of the phrase "What if?" It really makes you feel the uncertainty and fear the poet feels. This is an example of anaphora.

Speaking of which...

Amaiyah Valdez, an 8th grader, wrote the poem titled "Dream in Progress"--a truly hard-hitting poem that also employs anaphora, the repetition of sounds or phrase throughout a poem.

“Dream in Progress” is a deeply personal and motivational poem that captures the internal drive of a young person (particularly a female person) fighting for a better future—not just for herself, but for the “little girl” she used to be. The poem begins with bold, almost defiant affirmations (“I have to be successful / No, I will be successful”), showing both the pressure and determination that shapes the speaker’s life. While the surface answer to “Why?” is lighthearted—“who doesn’t wanna be rich?”—the poem quickly shifts, revealing that her ambitions are rooted in something far more profound.

At the heart of the poem is the image of a younger self, “buried under smiles and tears,” whose dreams were “bigger than Hollywood.” This inner child is both a symbol of innocence and a source of strength, reminding the speaker of where she came from and what she’s still striving toward. The poem’s repeated lines—“I have to be successful for her / I will be successful for her”—are a powerful use of anaphora, emphasizing that the speaker’s present struggles are deeply connected to her past hopes and future goals.

The poem also explores themes of generational hope: the desire to fulfill the promises made by her parents, to provide for her own future children, and to turn even her oldest, purest dreams into reality. The final lines, “She deserves to see the dreams she dreamed—/ Before she knew what a dream was—/ Come true,” are especially poignant, expressing a longing for both fulfillment and healing.

You know... maybe its social media and all the fakeness we're surrounded with, but the sentiments of this poem resonated with us—the feeling of being held down and held back. The crippling fear of failure. If you've followed us on social media, you'll see that we've been pretty hard on ourselves in that regard. It always feels like someone or something is holding us down no matter how hard we work and how hard we try. No matter how much time we put into things. Maybe it's the social media algorithms. Maybe it's the "big guys" or the "guys in the shadows" on top.

"A Woman's Dream" (also written by Valdez) continues these sentiments with the poet lamenting and highlighting how many dreams just don't/won't come true no matter how much you work and how hard you try. She critiques everything from 4.0 GPAs, going to Ivy League schools, marrying a Price Charming, or becoming a self-made millionaire.

In contrast, "Secret Love" is arguably more positive and uplifting poem with a deeper, darker subtext.

Again, the poet employs a lot of anaphora with the repetitions of "I love" and "That's why."

The poet talks about how much she loves school, but there is something more to that. This especially apparent in the line "...because school is an escape from reality."

The underlying implications are that reality outside of school must be rather bleak.

The poems of Naomi Rodriguez Herrera, a 6th grader, really touched us. In fact, a part of us wants to declare one of her poems--"Big Brother"--might very well be our favorite poem in this whole book. It's the only one that made us feel like crying a bit.

That's somewhat ironic because the poet's other poem before that--"Saying Goodbye"--is also very sad, deliberately so. In the poem, Herrera mourns the death of someone very important to her named Alice, attending Alice's funeral. The poem really highlights how tragedy and death often come so suddenly and unexpectedly.

There's one part of the poem that we really liked. It's the passage:

"One minute we were at the mall talking and shopping
The next you were laying on the floor
Caught in the crossfire
We never saw coming
I watched you die in my arms
I did nothing
There wasn’t anything I could do
But still I ask myself:
What did I do for my soul to deserve a funeral?"

Not only is this passage objectively heartbreaking and powerful, but it also pairs the words "Caught" and "crossfire" alliteratively. "Anything" and "nothing" are rhymed, but that's not all. They're also juxtapositions. In other words, they mean opposite things and yet they assist each other in conveying the feeling of total despair.

Also, by the way, it's amazing that "funeral" and "soul" actually rhyme.

But back to "Big Brother"... The concept is simple: showing how a relationship between siblings has evolved, developed, changed, and matured over the years. While it's simple in concept, it's powerful and beautiful in its ex*****on, contrasting the times that the brother and sister fought with the times they were there for each other.

The repetition in this poem is also great:

"By talking with you when you’re feeling sad
By helping you to sort through problems
By being with you when you need it the most"

There's also the line "I can always count on you to be my North Star" which speaks volumes. It essentially says that the siblings know that they can always turn to each other when they need help or someone to confide in.

Sofia Gonzalez is the poet of "A Lost Love" which is one of the most well-structured, traditional poems in this book.

But the Gonzalez poem we want to talk about is "Whispers of Life."

It follows many of the same rhyme schemes that "A Lost Love" did, but it shows an added layer of sophistication.

"Trees" is rhymed with "ease."

"Whole" is rhymed with "soul."

"Stone" is rhymed with "unknown."

These are dink-and-dunk rhymes. There's effort here.

Thomas Husted Billingsley is 7th grade poet of "The Past. The Present. The Future."

While this poem isn't as beautiful and eloquent as some of the others, it's impactful and effective in its own unique way. It DARES TO BE POSITIVE. It DARES TO HOPE. Remember how bleak, depressing, and miserable some of those other poems we mentioned were?

Well, Billingsley's poem looks forward to the future—to "tomorrow." He hopes that, despite the trials and tribulations of being 13, he can still hope that "tomorrow" will be better—that, in the future, he can own a house, ask out his crush, grow up, and live a good life. There's something very raw, human, and relatable about this.

📚 Learn how teachers, librarians, and parents can create their own classroom book—or a keepsake for a personal home library—at SchoolExpressPress.com

Aria Lacchei provides one of the few examples of prose in this book with an excerpt of "The Night Discovery" which explores Heterochromia (having eyes that are different colors). That was pretty interesting.

"Where I'm From" is an interesting little poem by Isabella Mendez-Higareda that that celebrates both the small details and the big moments that shape a person’s identity. Using vivid imagery—like “drawing tall trees in the field,” “origami butterflies,” and “the snowy white swan”—the poet invites readers into her imaginative world, full of movement, family, and change. The poem beautifully balances joy and loss, remembering loved ones while embracing new beginnings and growing confidence. Ultimately, “Where I’m From” feels like a warm and uplifting journey through memory, belonging, and the ever-expanding definition of home.

Hey, we wrote "Where I'm From" poems before. This was kind of nostalgic to see.

Again, every contributor was impressive in their own way. How can you not get behind these incredible kids who will be leading the next generation?

Check it out on Amazon! 📚 Every purchase helps fund the creation of another classroom book through SchoolExpressPress.com — supporting young authors and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

https://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Authors-Project-Sheila-Rowe/dp/1589854012?&linkCode=sl1&tag=outstandi0e5b-20&linkId=2d14c5692d28dfa92b309296a351909e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Outstanding Creator Awards

08/08/2025

A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible team at the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival 2025💫

Whether it’s a film, a screenplay, an audiobook, a song—or any category—your dedication to promoting each and every one of us speaks volumes. The way you showcase and support all of the selected works is nothing short of inspiring.

Hats off to you for championing creativity, storytelling, and talent from around the world. We’re grateful to be part of this amazing community. 🙌🎬📚🎶🎵

With gratitude,
Linda F. Radke
Monster-in-Chief, Story Monsters LLC 💚
www.StudioStoryMonster.com


San Diego International Kids' Film Festival 20+ Lynn Tang
Story Monsters Ink Magazine Erin Rementer

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122322537896028325&id=61550849762779

08/07/2025

Congratulations to Gene Miller, whose book, “WARNING: Short Stories for Middle School Boys Only, Because Girls Have Cooties!” earned First Place in the Humor category at the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards

storymonstersbookawards.com

08/07/2025

It’s an incredible honor to have “Hey Mommy Theme Song” recognized in such a meaningful way by the Outstanding Creator Awards.

Editorial Review: Let’s face it: writing a memorable children’s theme song is no small feat—especially one that lands in under two minutes. But “Hey Mommy Theme Song,” inspired by the book I Know What You Do When I Go to School, nails the assignment with a big, storybook hug!

What truly sets this one apart is its origin story. Deep appreciation goes to 13-year-old author Siona Talekar, whose charming and imaginative tale—originally written and illustrated at just 7 years old—inspired this whimsical, spunky tune. You can genuinely feel that spark of childhood wonder radiating through every note.

And let’s give credit and kudos to Zachary Simpson for crafting music and lyrics that are not only catchy, but full of bounce, whimsy, and cleverness. This isn’t just another kids’ tune—it’s one of those rare, playful tracks that adults will catch themselves humming too.

One thing Simpson captures so well in the lyrics is not just the curiosity of the book it’s based on, but also the profound love and connection that radiates from it. That’s especially apparent in the line:

“…while I add two plus two
All I think about is you and what you do…”

There is so much heart in those lyrics—enhanced by the delicate pause that follows, as if inviting listeners to reflect on the emotions behind the words.

Erin Rementer’s vocal performance is a standout—lively and heartfelt, delivering just the right blend of warmth and energy to make the song unforgettable. If there’s a “voice of Story Monster,” she’s it. Her voice is sweet, childlike, and welcoming—like hearing a little angel or fairy sing to you.

Credit where it’s due: The direction by Linda F. Radke, production by Studio Story Monster, and publishing by Story Monsters Press all come together to elevate this into something truly special. There’s love and professional polish packed into every second.

Is it short? Yes—at just under two minutes, you’ll be wishing for a full album by the end. But what a minute and fifty seconds it is! Whether you’re in a classroom, on a morning drive, or cuddled up for bedtime, this song is tailor-made to spark smiles and get toes tapping. Pair it with the book and you’ll unlock even more magic.

We don’t take a moment of this for granted. We’re truly honored and grateful to witness young creativity brought to life by a team that clearly cares.

“Hey Mommy” is a joyful, whimsical, and utterly charming tribute to childhood wonder. It’s another home run for Studio Story Monster and everyone involved—especially Siona Talekar, whose imagination started it all. Highly recommended for the young and young-at-heart!

🎵 Check it out now on Spotify!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2QBaz9YbKIQQIxCNRZp0AB?si=im-5IPRXQtC6k72jBJ9e6A

Outstanding Creator Awards Zachary Simpson Erin Rementer

Review of “Hey Mommy Theme Song" by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer

https://www.outstandingcreator.com/3/post/2025/08/review-of-hey-mommy-theme-song-by-zachary-simpson-erin-rementer.html

A cute little song that captures the childlike wonder, imagination, love, and whimsical spirit of "Hey Mommy" (a children's book) by Siona Talekar!

Part of our 2025 Summer Contest

08/06/2025

📚 Teachers & Librarians: Add These Animal Tales to Your Shelves!

Looking for engaging books and audiobooks that spark curiosity and build empathy?

Linda Harkey’s Animal Tales are classroom-ready stories that explore teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship—with lovable animals at the center.

💡 Perfect for read-alouds, literacy centers, or at-home enrichment.
Explore now at harkeyanimaltales.com

08/04/2025

The Storytime Dream Team 🌟

Sergio, TOMO, and Story Monster walk into a story…
and out comes a reading adventure filled with laughter, heart, and just the right amount of monster mischief.

Did you know TOMO means “friend” in Japanese?
These three are true reading buddies—proving that friendship, imagination, and great books always go hand in hand.

Sergio Godoy, The Actor Cindy Kern OBrien Betsy Coffeen

08/03/2025

🎬 Officially Selected & Deeply Grateful 🎧

The official selections for the 2025 San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival are out, and I’m deeply honored to share that several projects produced by Studio Story Monster® / Story Monsters LLC have been officially selected in both the audiobook and music categories.

Each of these projects began with a story—written with heart, brought to life by young narrators, and made possible through the dedication of a team that believes in the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire.

🎶 In the music category, we’re proud to celebrate the official selection of:
– “Hey Mommy” – based on I Know What You Do When I Go to School by Siona Talekar
– “The Magical Garden” – based on the book by Betsy Coffeen
Both feature music and lyrics by the incredibly talented Zachary Simpson.

🎧 In the audiobook category, selected titles include:
– Gertie Saves the Day by Karen Patricia Nespoli – narrated by Heidi Immler
– The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow by Linda Harkey – narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
– Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien – narrated by Immy Dymott
– Desert Friends by Linda Harkey – narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
– The Great Animal Escape by Linda Harkey – narrated by May Webster
– Chatty the Hen Pheasant by Linda Harkey – narrated by Heidi Immler
– The Fisherman and the French Flounder by Raven Howell – narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
– Little Monsters Read-Along Series – featuring multiple titles and voices

I’m also deeply grateful for the team behind the scenes at Studio Story Monster® / Story Monsters LLC:
💚 Zachary Simpson, our producer, whose creative instincts and leadership elevate every project
💚 Our illustrators, editors, and proofreaders—thank you for your care in every detail

Special thanks to Paula Hurd and Diane Timmons—our dedicated project managers whose behind-the-scenes brilliance, patience, and heart make the magic happen. Your work may be quiet, but its impact is anything but. We couldn’t do it without you.

And to the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival—thank you for championing literacy, creativity, and the joy of storytelling through music and film. Your commitment inspires us.

🎉 Congratulations to all the creators selected. We’re honored to stand beside you.

✨ Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the festival announcement on August 24!

www.StudioStoryMonster.com

Cindy Kern OBrien San Diego International Kids' Film Festival 20+ Raven Howell
Paula Hurd Lynn Tang Betsy Coffeen

08/03/2025

📚 Teachers & Librarians: Add These Animal Tales to Your Shelves!

Looking for engaging books and audiobooks that spark curiosity and build empathy?

Linda Harkey’s Animal Tales are classroom-ready stories that explore teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship—with lovable animals at the center.

💡 Perfect for read-alouds, literacy centers, or at-home enrichment.

Explore now at harkeyanimaltales.com

08/03/2025

Big news from one of our Purple Dragonfly Book Award winners!
We’re excited to spotlight this award-winning announcement from author K. P. George – Kassi Psifogeorgou. 🎉
👇 Read what she shared:

Big news from “Our Very Greek Traditions”!

I’m over the moon to share that my book, Our Very Greek Traditions & a Few Superstitions, has been awarded Second Place in the Diversity category of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards!

This book began as a love letter to the stories, symbols, and everyday rituals that remind us who we are. Whether it’s a grandmother’s saying, a seasonal celebration, or a superstition passed down, traditions have a way of grounding us. They connect us to something older, deeper, and often magical.

I hope this book inspires children and families to explore their own heritage, ask questions, and cherish the quirky customs that make their culture unique. Because in preserving the past, we build bridges toward a more vibrant, connected future.

Thank you to the judges and readers who saw something special in these traditions and honoured their magic. Your support helps keep heritage alive. Story Monsters Book Awards

And thank you, —my amazing illustrator—for helping me bring this book to life!

If you’re raising curious little ones or simply love a good superstition, this might be your next favourite read. Available on Amazon.

www.StoryMonsterBookAwards.com

08/03/2025

Discover the Heart Behind Every Pawprint 🐾
Visit harkeyanimaltales.com to explore Linda Harkey’s award-winning animal adventures—where every story inspires curiosity, courage, and compassion.

From desert journeys to snowy rescues, these tales bring lovable characters to life through vibrant illustrations, engaging storytelling, and enchanting Little Monsters Read-Along audiobooks narrated by talented young voices.

📚 Books that kids love.
🎧 Audiobooks that make reading fun.
❤️ Stories that stick with you.

Start your adventure today at harkeyanimaltales.com

THE GREAT ANIMAL ESCAPE - Join Gracie the B***o, Bernie, Lova-Bull, and Mud Pie—an unlikely team of courageous animal friends—as they overcome the challenges of the great outdoors through grit, heart, and teamwork. Can they survive their great escape?Click here to learn more about this book. DES...

07/31/2025

Shakespeare Made Stage-Ready.
Footnoted, fast-paced, and full of heart.
So good, even the Bard might’ve taken a bow.

Perfect for grades 6 and up, Cass Foster’s Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series trims the length—not the language.
Each play keeps Shakespeare’s original words intact, while providing footnotes, staging tips, and smart pacing to make it accessible for today’s students and performers.

🕰️ One hour of stage-ready Shakespeare
📖 Judicious footnotes + production support
🎓 Designed with classrooms and drama clubs in mind

Titles include:
Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Taming of the Shrew, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

📦 U.S. & Canada shipping
🎭 Volume discounts available – email [email protected]

🛒 Shop the full series

https://storymonsters.com/store/sixty-minute-shakespeare

⭐ “Perfectly captures the voice, comedy, and heart of the Bard.”
— Jeanne Allgood, Director and former Shakespeare Theater performer

⭐ “A smart stepping stone to the real thing.”
— NEA Today

⭐ “All I need now are eager young actors!”
— Pamela Victor, Feathered Quill

⭐ “Made Shakespeare so accessible for everybody.”
— Clara Carter, Educator

Introducing Shakespeare Cass Foster Baker & Taylor EBSCO William Shakespeare Folger Shakespeare Library Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Adapted by Cass Foster. Buy any 3 books, get 10% off when you use Discount Code: SHAKESPEARE at check out! The introduction to SHAKESPEARE is not an easy task. Sometimes the magic can use a little assistance! To make the works of Shakespeare accessible to all ages and levels of education, Cass F