Knowonder!*

I love opening my mailbox and finding a package inside--especially because it's usually the book I've recently ordered. On Wednesday, I received a package, rushed inside to open it and was delighted to find a copy of a new magazine just for parents. It's not a typical parenting magazine that includes articles about potty training and quizzes to find out if your toddler is gifted. It's a delightful little collection of stories to read to your children each night before bed or any other time.

Most nights when I put my kids to bed I'm exhausted too and when they ask me to tell them a story, I'd really rather just lay beside them and sing. They like singing but they really want to hear a story. There are times when I'm feeling creative and can make up a great exciting tale right there on the spot, but those times are increasingly more rare. This little magazine (I love it's small, portable, easy-to-hold size) is a solution. Each month I'll get 30 new stories to read to my kids written by other parents. There's even a place for my children to rate the stories. At the end of the month, I can go to the Knowonder website and pick our favorites who will then be eligible for a prize.This little volume also includes art by children and additional activities for parents and children.

If I am feeling particularly creative and come up with a great story, I can submit it to Knowonder for a chance to be published in a future edition. This is a great opportunity for aspiring authors to get their work published and get feedback from young little readers.

The best part (could it actually get better?) is that this little magazine is free. Yes, FREE (oh, I love that word). You can pick up a copy at many local (it's local to Utah--I love this inovative, family-friendly place) libraries and stores or view the on-line version right on your computer. Or if you are like me and just like having it delivered directly to your mailbox you can also subscribe for a small fee.

Don't miss this new magazine. Parents and kids will love it. I think I'll have to get a second copy to stash in the car or my purse for those "waiting" moments when we all need a little entertainment.