Storybird is a free interactive website where users can create digital storybooks inspired by original artwork. Called, “One of the coolest websites ever created for children, families, and classrooms,” by the San Francisco Examiner, Storybird sparks kid’s imagination and creativity.

Featuring a user-friendly format, users simply drag and drop images onto digital storyboards and insert text to narrate the story. Users can set up a free account and post stories to the Storybird library, email to friends and family, or purchase stories in a PDF, or book form. Kids can collaborate with family members or classmates on projects using separate logins to add content and arrange images.

Here are a few ways parents, artists and teachers are using the Storybird website to inspire kids.

Parents

Storybird is a safe place for kids age 3 to 13. The site does not offer live chatrooms or public profile pages. All public content is reviewed before being published on the site. The colorful artwork ignites imaginations and helps kids develop reading skills, vocabulary and basic sentence structure. A fun family night activity, kids can choose to read stories from the library or create their own. The Storybird library makes it easy to search stories by topic, age range or Storybird authors.

After creating your own digital storybook, you can purchase the final product or add to your Storybird library. The hardback books make memorable gifts for teachers, friends, or family members.

Teachers

Currently 45,000 schools K-12 are using Storybird in the classroom.  Elementary educators use the site to help kids learn simple sentences.  Additionally, teachers have used the site for math labs that focus on time and three-dimensional structures. Teachers can view assignments, email stories to parents, upload to educational blogs and grade work. The interactive site allows students to share work and comment about classmates work. The site also features a “one click” school fundraising program. Finished projects can be shown in the classroom via a video screen or computer.

Artists

Storybird acts as a digital art gallery. For a fee, users can download artwork in PDF form or in a finished storybook. Artists do not have to pay for shipping, insurance or the cost of goods. The site provides artists the opportunity to share and sell work to a global audience. Another bonus is the artists retain copyrights on their work.

Artists, illustrators and animators are encouraged to submit age-appropriate work for consideration. 

Are you ready to create your own literary masterpiece? Here is quick video on how to get started on Storybird.