All of our stories are written, illustrated and edited by writers, illustrators, and editors who are members of Scribum – part of the StoryPlus Network (see www.Scribum.com for details). All our stories are original. Occasionally we will publish a story based on a well-known tale, but we try to do so from an unusual angle.

How can I downlaod items for the gift basket ?  

Screensaver:
1. Click on the icon.
2. Click on ‘Save’ and choose a location for saving the file.
3. Using Windows Explorer, find the file you have just saved and double-click on it.
3. Your screensaver will install itself and will appear whenever your computer switches to screensaver mode.

Email poppit :
1. Click on the icon.
2. Click on ‘Save’ and choose a location for saving the file.
3. To play, use Windows Explorer to find the file. Double-click on it and the game will start.

Gifties :
1. Click on the icon.
2. Santa Claus will appear in a separate window.
3. Click on ‘File’, then on ‘Save As ...’ and save the file with a name of your choosing.
4. To use Santa in your emails, all you need to do is click on ‘Insert’ (while writing an e-mail) then click on ‘Picture’. Click ‘Browse’, go to the location where you have saved Santa and double-click on the file. Then, when you click on ‘OK’ ... there’s Santa, in your message.

Sometimes I see a 'shadow image' behind one of the story covers on the StoryPlus front page if I scroll over top. How do I get rid of it?  

Sometimes I see a 'shadow image' behind one of the story covers on the StoryPlus front page if I scroll over top. How do I get rid of it? This is a browser problem, with the browser 'remembering' what was there the last time you visited. If you click on refresh it should go away. That failing, you can always clear your cache which deletes your temporary Internet files.

Who writes, illustrates and edits the stories?  

Our creative team literally spans the globe. All of our writers, editors, and illustrators have a professional interest in quality children’s literature, and most have been published extensively, sometimes in several countries.

What is your editorial slant?  

We publish stories that will keep children hooked. Stories they will want to keep reading. Our stories use language that is focused and vivid, include characters with which children can identify, and present plots that children love. We do not restrict our writers to specific genres – the children who read our stories have interests that range from the practical to the fantastic, so we do too. We do not currently publish poetry or nursery rhymes.

What age groups do you specifically target?  

We do not target a specific age group. Individual children learn to read and learn to love to read at different ages, so we publish stories for every age group between birth and age 15.

What is the average length of a StoryPlus story?  

The length of a story must take into consideration the age of the child reading it. Stories for young children will necessarily be shorter than stories for budding teens. We are aware that many of our stories will be read out loud at bedtime, and the average reading time of a StoryPlus story is therefore is restricted to less than 30 minutes. Longer stories for older children are sometimes published in chapter-length installments.

Are any of your stories illustrated?  

Many of our stories, especially those for very young children, are illustrated, some extensively; some stories are even animated, with the animation based on the original illustrations.

How much do your stories cost?  

The base price for a story is 1 US$ for a plain text version. Stories with illustrations, animation, or audio recordings cost more. Our flexible price structure allows you, the customer, to buy exactly what you want. Our goal is to use the Internet to give you better choice and better value than traditional bookstores.

What formats are available for each story?  

Every StoryPlus story is available for purchase in one of many of the following formats: TEXT ONLY, ILLUSTRATED TEXT, AUDIO VERSION & ILLUSTRATED TEXT, or BILINGUAL TEXT. LEARNING GAMES based on each story will also shortly become available.

Why can't I see a story that I have downloaded?  

Only text and illustrated text versions come in .pdf format. In order to view a story in this format you need Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. To get your free copy of Adobe Acrobat go to: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html Animated stories require Macromedia’s Flash installed on your computer. To get your free copy of Flash go to: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/download/

Can I read a story before I have paid for it?  

No, each story must be purchased before it can be read and/or downloaded. Plot summaries as well as samples of the text, illustrations, audio recording, and animations are available for each story to give you a taste before you make your purchase but the full story will not be made available until the payment transaction has been completed.

Can I download a story more than once?  

Yes. You can download a story as many times as you like for up to 30 days after you have purchased it. If you wish to print out any text or illustrated text version, you will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, 5.0 installed on your computer. If you haven't got that version, it is available for free at www.adobe.com

Can I download stories onto more than one computer?  

Yes. You can download a story on one computer one day and another computer another day

Can I email a story to a friend?  

Yes. When you purchase a story you may E-mail it once (either to yourself or to a friend). In fact, we encourage you to E-mail these stories to your friends – it will help us inform others about StoryPlus. You may also download the story as many times as you like for the next 30 days for your family's reading pleasure.

Why would I want to become a member of StoryPlus?  

StoryPlus members receive discounts on all their purchases made through the StoryPlus site. Members also receive discount coupons, our monthly newsletter, and can access the Family Portrait feature. The savings generated from membership quickly offset the cost of membership.

What is my "Family Portrait"  

Your Family Portrait allows you to add your children (or other people) to your account. When you add a child to your account, that child will receive his or her own password to access the site. You can buy members of your Family Portrait gift certificates so they can buy stories without you (so that you do not have to give you children your credit card). If you chose to tell us your child’s birthday, he or she will receive a free story on his or her birthday. You must be a member to have access to this feature.

How do I access my "Family Portrait?"  

Members can access their Family Portrait through ‘My Account’ on the StoryPlus homepage once you have logged in using your ID and password.