Storytime Magazine is a new monthly magazine which aims to make reading fun and support the UK National Curriculum’s emphasis on reading for pleasure. We enjoyed reading the first issue which was published in September and are now enjoying the second one which was published on October 15th. Storytime is available to buy in major UK supermarkets, WHSmith and local newsagents or you can subscribe to the magazine and receive your copy through the post or on your iPad.
The byline for Storytime is ‘Classic Tales to read and Share’ and I like the fact that Storytime is a magazine that introduces a child to a mix of traditional tales and poems from around the world. Under headings such as Myths and Legends, Around the World Tales, Brilliant Books and Famous Fables there is a story to appeal to every child (and adult!).
The magazine is printed on thick, good quality paper which will stand up to repeated reading. It contains no adverts and there are no plastic toys on the cover. The contents page at the beginning of the magazine gives the reader a clear overview of the stories and poems included and the text is printed in an easy to read font. The pictures are beautiful and the use of different illustrators ensures that the stories are illustrated using a variety of styles.
An education consultant, Jacqueline Harris, works with Storytime to give expert advice on how you can read with children and The Story Magic page gives parental tips for extension activities stimulated by the stories. The Storytime Playbox page includes story inspired activities, games and puzzles and there is also a game to play (great for numeracy skills).
First issue – September 10th
My daughter enjoyed the traditional retelling of Goldilocks and The Three Bears but was also fascinated by the Greek myth, Perseus and Medusa. After listening to the extract from Alice in Wonderland she is now eager to hear the rest of the story. She joined in with the beautifully illustrated Owl and the Pussycat and was introduced to Aladdin and his Magic Lamp, a story that was previously unknown to her. She had fun doing the activities on The Storytime Playbox page and we played The Hare and The Tortoise game.
Second issue – October 15th
It was great to learn new verses from the nursery rhyme, Old Mother Hubbard and we enjoyed this month’s Around the World Tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. It’s always comforting to read a new version of a familiar fairytale, The Gingerbread Man is this month’s story. The tale of St. George and the Dragon was new to my daughter as was The Lucky Pedlar and now we’ve read the extract from The Wizard of Oz we want to watch the film. The chocolate challenge game, based on the Augustus Gloop poem, is original, fun and provided much entertainment.
You can read more on the Storytime website which also includes downloadable activities, competitions and information pages for parents.
Age Range: 4 to 8
Thank you to Luna Creative for sending us a copy of issue 2.
This sounds like a lovely magazine. I might check out the iPad version, I bet my 5yo would love it!
It is lovely and it includes such a variety of stories that there really is something to interest everyone 🙂
Sounds a good magazine for little ones #weekendbloghop
It is but it’s also great for beginner readers too 🙂
I love this idea – my girls would love it – thanks for sharing #weekendbloghop
You’re welcome 🙂
Lovely review – thank you! What sort of age would you think this appeals to most? Are there picture stories for learning readers to look at the magazine alone? Thanks, and great post! 🙂
I think the stories can be enjoyed by children from age four. My daughter at age six is the perfect age, the stories are enjoyable when read aloud but are also at the right level for the child to read them independently. There are no picture stories, they all have quite a bit of text, but that would be a great idea 🙂
I have read the first issue of this and must say it is fantastic!!!” my kids loved it too, thinking about taking a subscription out
Subscriptions are fun for kids, they love to receive their own post 🙂
We really loved this magazine, such lovely stories and activities that really get the kids engaging!! thanks for linking up with #readwithme x
It’s great isn’t it, not like other comics which are often only read once.
Wow! What a beautiful magazine. The cover shouts, “Read me!” Thanks for sharing on the #KidLitBlogHop! I’m happy to learn about it. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
The cover illustrations are beautiful and the variety of illustrations is wonderful, each style really well matched to the story.
What a wonderful magazine! I am excited that it is available on the iPad as my daughter has started reading more and more on the tablet. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. It’s lovely to have the choice between reading it on paper or on a tablet.
My son would love the ipad version. Looks fab! #MMWBH
It’s really great to have the choice between the two mediums 🙂
Everytime I go to the newsagents its sold out so I may have to look into the iPad version!
You can buy back copies, check out the link in the post 🙂
We are starting to learn how to read in school and I bet this magazine will be a great help! #mmwbh
The stories are lovely to read aloud but it’s also a great magazine for children to read for themselves.
Oh, we do love Storytime here! We’ve subscribed, and it’s lovely to receive a quality magazine packed with stories through the post.
It’s love to read exciting, colourful post isn’t it 🙂