What is a storybook walk?

A storybook walk is a great concept which enables children to walk between reading pages of a story. Traditionally, a story is put on displays along a path outdoors although now it is possible to do a walk almost anywhere. Storybook Walk™ is a trademark of The Storybook Company and was created with the intention to make innovative Storybook Walk products which help to make doing walks easier and more affordable. The name StoryWalk® is a registered trademark of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library .. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier Vermont as a way to promote literacy. In some places you will also hear the names Story Stroll and Book Walk.

Do I need permission to use a book?

Although libraries and other not for profit entities are often protected by the fair use clause, it is a good idea to get permission to use a book for a Storybook Walk. This is because a book is copyrighted. This means that only the author, illustrator (if self-published), or publisher are allowed to change the book in any way. For more info on copyrights, go to https://www.copyright.gov/

How do I get permission?

Look on the copyright page of the book that you want to use. If the book is self-published, contact the author. If a publisher is listed, look online to find out who to contact. Large publishing houses will have a rights department. A word of warning - this process can take a long time. The easiest way to get permission for a book is to use a local or small-published author. They are usually easy to find and contact.

Is a storybook walk expensive?

It shouldn’t be. At StorybookWalk.com we believe that storybook walks should be accessible for all schools and libraries. If you are on a budget, then you can hang up your walk along a fence or on a hallway. The most expensive part of a walk are permanent displays. If you would like to set up a permanent Storybook Walk, then you may want to try to get grant money or funding from local business.

Is setting up a storybook walk difficult?

Not anymore. At StorybookWalk.com you’ll find many different ways to set up a walk. From hanging pictures on a hallway at school to placing pages along a fence, there are many simple ways to begin your first walk. Plus, the DIY storybook walk editions, make doing your first walk a breeze. All you need to do is cut out the pages, laminate, and display.

What is a DIY Storybook Walk Edition?

A DIY Storybook Walk Edition is a version of a children’s book where the pages can be easily taken out (or are loose leaf) so that they can be displayed along a path, wall, fence, or similar where children can read them and move between the pages. Often these pages are laminated before they are displayed. These books are usually in size 8 x 10 or 8.5 x 11.

What is a Ready-to-Use Laminated  Storybook Walk Edition?

A Ready-to-Use Storybook Walk Edition is a version of a children’s book where the pages have been organized into laminated spreads which can be displayed along a path, wall, fence, or similar where children can read them and move between the pages. These are usually in 11 x 17 or 18 x 24.

What are prompts?

Most Storybook Walks include prompts - usually activity, literacy, or discussion prompts - added on a banner which is displayed with each spread which encourage children to do different things, such as jumping up and down, shouting, or discussing a topic.

Will the Storybook Walk Editions fade over time?

As much as we love the sun, it is really hard on printed inks. Even though all of our Storybook Walk Editions are laminated using UV lamination, they will eventually fade. Unless you print all of your books directly onto backer panels, it is pretty impossible to avoid a bit of fading. So what can you do? If your Storywalks are hung in a very sunny area, consider getting UV resistant acrylic for the top layer. This adds an extra bit of protection. If this is too costly, you can buy UV film and add it to your acrylic panels yourself.

Do I need backer panels?

All Storywalk frames will have either two sheets of acrylic or a backer panel and a sheet of acrylic. The stories go in between these two sheets. If you would like to use 11 x 17 Ready-to-Use Storybook Walk Editions or stories of your own, then backer panels are a good option. They come in a variety of colors and make a wonderful backdrop behind your stories. They can also be customized to add information or logos from your organization. If you would prefer to have your stories larger, than it does not matter if you have a backer panel or a sheet of acrylic in the back. Both of these options are popular. It just depends on what you would like for your Storywalk.

Can I use the Storywalk name?

Yes, you may use the Storywalk name as long as you give credit on your walk to Anne Ferguson and add this phrase: “The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.  Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.”  All usage of the Storywalk® mark must comply with these guidelines, and must be limited to use in connection with educational, noncommercial projects consistent with the StoryWalk® Project mission to promote literacy.” You may also call your walk by a different name. If you use the Storywalk name, however, you will need to give credit.

I’m still confused. Help!

If you are still confused, have a question, or don’t know what to do, you can write to Kelley.Donner@gmail.com. She’ll do her best to try to get you on the right track. You can also check out her book “How to Create a Storybook Walk” which is available on Amazon.com.