Website: Storybird

URL: http://storybird.com

Other Choices: You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together, iWriteWords, Story Time

Education: Teaches kids how to use their reading and writing skills, plus their imagination, to create their very own stories.

Synopsis: Create beautiful books to share online and in print.

Common Sense Rates It:

Parents need to know
Parents need to know that that Storybird is a site that allows users to create their very own personalized stories. The site is committed to sparking user imagination by providing a variety of colorful and vibrant Illustrations that ignite creativity. First, choose which photos you want to include in your book, then incorporate your very own dialogue -- before long words will be pouring onto the page. Although this is a great site for younger children, users must be 13 years of age to become a member. If a child is younger than 13, he/she must provide a parent's email address, and then the parent is immediately notified that their child has become a storybird.

• Families can talk about the importance of storytelling. How has storytelling evolved throughout history, and what is the benefit of sharing stories?
• Families can also discuss internet safety and the permanence of publishing things online.

What's the story?
Kids can choose from a wide array of different themes like: children, pigtails, and pets, then pick from a range of different artists' illustrations. After they decide which style of drawing suits them best, they can arrange the pictures in any order they want and begin writing their masterpieces. The site also offers the opportunity to co-author stories with friends and family and allows readers to "heart" those stories that they like the best. Monthly challenges are included to reward the best stories of the month. Users who apply derogatory language, bully others, share personal information, or utilize any form of inappropriate online behavior will be banned from the site. Storybird has a tight management system that ensures the site remains a friendly and positive environment for kids of all ages.

Is it any good?
Storybird is a wonderful site for kids, and adults, of all ages. Users can choose to create stories just for themselves, share their creations with the public, or co-author stories with others. Illustrations provided are colorful and detailed and really spark the imagination. The pictures range from nature and animals to family relationships and fairy tales. Published stories are rich with ethical and moral messages and include titles such as "Fun is for Everyone," "Baby Sisters," and "Mom vs. Stepmom." This is a great tool that allows families and friends to connect over long distances, and provides an opportunity to share storytelling time from miles away. Simply create your story, save it, print it, or email it to friends and family.