FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KIDS‘ LOVE OF BOOKS CRITICAL TO READING, SELF-ESTEEM
Engaging Young Readers Develops Confidence Throughout School Years

BOISE, IDAHO—6 May 2010
An Idaho company is publishing innovative personalized books to combat the bombardment of TV shows, toys, and video games that entertain children without educating. Spotlight Stories engage young children with intelligent, enjoyable, personalized storybooks that feature themselves in enchanting and exciting storylines.

SpotlightStories.com supports parents‘ literacy efforts by creating personalized stories that put children‘s images and names into books. Their first offerings, The Princess and the Fairy Wings, and Superhero Stomping Power! put the child‘s name, appearance, family members, and friends into the story. Spotlight Stories‘ founder and author, Monelle Smith, said, “Magic happens when children read about themselves in the story. They love being part of the fantasy.” Parents seem to agree. Chandelle Volo, mother of three from Pleasant Hill, California, said, “I couldn‘t believe how my daughter‘s face lit up when I read her Spotlight Story aloud, and she was the princess. She smiled up at me every time I read her name.”
A 2009 study done by Every Child a Chance Trust said, “The largest group of children requiring special educational needs (SEN) provision are those with literacy difficulties.”
Educators and writers face an uphill battle to increase literacy levels. Neysa Jensen, the Utah/Southern Idaho Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children‘s Book Writers and Illustrators, said, “We value reading in our community, and yet too many of our children are not developing vital literacy skills. It‘s up to everyone in a child‘s life to support reading. We‘re shaping tomorrow‘s leaders.”
Spotlight Stories creates personalized picture books for children ages 2-10. Their first stories, The Princess and the Fairy Wings and Superhero Stomping Power, are now available at SpotlightStories.com.
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To preview The Princess and the Fairy Wings or Superhero Stomping Power, visit SpotlightStories.com. For more information, contact Monelle Smith at 208-895-9717 or [email protected].