Introducing… Story Playground

Two of my brothers worked together to build a very neat site to share stories:  Story Playground.  The idea is to take your photos and your voice and make a book that can be viewed over and over.  It can be any story. Fun family vacation memories, stories from growing up or ones about the people in your family that came before.  Top 10 lists, recipes, wishes for the future – whatever is shared is sure to be loved by those you love.

Story_Playground

Steven and Adam are experienced programmers with families.  Years ago Steven recorded his grandpa telling stories. They have been able to share those stories with their children. His grandpa’s captured voice is animated and vibrant on the recording – just as Steven remembers him. Steven says those stories were an important part of his childhood. He wants to someday share them with his children’s children. He wants his children to also know his stories and voice and that’s one big reason behind Story Playground. His children are also loving telling their own stories and expressing their imagination and creativity.

I love the way the library is set up – where you can see all the available stories you have and click on the one you want to view. Nice and easy for children and grandparents and everyone. 🙂

Creating a “virtual” book is free.  You can make as many changes as you want. When it is how you like you can purchase virtual copies to share with family and friends. A standard 20-page book is about $10 for 2 gift copies and the price per copy gets less the more you buy – $30 for 30 gift copies. The stories are available online the moment they are shared.  In the not-too-distant past I checked into the costs of making an ebook. It was hundreds of dollars. This is sooo much more affordable. I also love that you can buy the copies to share – and all the viewer needs on their end is a free account to view the book.

In their words: “Story Playground, created by software development company Dragon Playground, LLC, makes it simple to create and share your family’s unique stories. All you need is your memory, some pictures, and the internet.”

Right now they are having a fun spring sale to try out the product:  http://storyplayground.com/Home/SpringSpectacular

Spring Sale Flowers copy

New users that sign up during the month of May will receive enough dragon gold credit to share their first book free.  The credit can be redeemed any time. Sign up now and create your story when you’re ready. 🙂

Already have an account or want more than one story to share?  One purchase per customer is eligible for the half-off deal.  Just enter the promo code P-Spring50 at checkout.

I’m working on my first creation.  Come back soon for a fun giveaway. 🙂

*spotlight* Brendan

Jacob:  I love that Brendan is so inventive and creative.

Katey:  Us too! (Her and Hailey)

Hailey:  Yeah, we’re going to be doctors!  (inventive and creative?  I guess that could work for a doctor.  😉 )

Katey:  When I grow up I’m going to be a doctor like Autumn.  We have band-aids.  We’re ready.

Faith:  I think Brendan is very good at drawing and artistic.

Steven:  And bowling.

Jim Bob:  I love that Brendan is so compassionate.  Having watched him over the last month when Caleb or Katey needed help – he is very observant.  When he sees someone that needs help he is more than willing to stoop down, stop what he’s doing and help out.  Brendan is compassionate and observant.

Josh:  Merciful.  Compassionate and now merciful.

Duke:  Brendan pets me.

Brendan:  Yes and I’m a sucker to stay for at least 10 minutes.

Calvin:  I think Brendan’s salsa is good.  And I like his treats.  And his scrambled eggs – they’re tasty.

Hailey:  You’re great at artist.  And at drawing.  And you jump on the tramp with me.  And you’re good at sharing.

Katey:  He watches us.  He babysits me and reads me stories.

Hailey:  And gives me rides.

Andrew:  I’m glad Brendan is my cousin.

Jim Bob:  Why?

Andrew:  I don’t know.  I haven’t thought about it.  Can I have some time?

Logan:  I can’t think with everyone looking at me.  Everyone has to close their eyes.  … Brendan you are really good at scrambled eggs and treats.  You are really good to have around.  That’s all I have to say.  The End.

Ruth:  I really appreciate that Brendan cares about people.  He cares that people are happy and he tries to be a peacemaker in our home.  When I have a hard day he can tell and tries to help me.  He is a peacemaker and a friend.  He is also getting really good at playing the piano and we have missed it.

Jim Bob:  *singing* “And I can’t fight this feeling anymore.” – Jacob freaked out when he found out that was a love song.  (which led to a discussion about how Brendan didn’t know for a long time either – he just thought it was a neat sounding song.)

Kyran:  *yawn* (Nothing to do with Brendan I’m sure.)  Love you Brendan. (prompted by his mom)

Steven:  Brendan has a soft heart and that very much impresses me about him.  It is one of the things I prayed for when you were born.  It’s something that your uncle Brandon has and partly why we named you after him.  I didn’t want you to be exactly like your uncle, but the soft heart is one of the best parts.  You are the kid I wish I could have been friends with growing up and I’m glad you’re my friend.

And “I can’t fight this feeling anymore…”

Kiara:  Brendan is a really great pianist.  He’s really confident and helps me when I’m upset and a good babysitter.  And he has handsome red hair and lots of freckles that are really handsome.

(and now a discussion on freckles – and how Steven wished he had freckles growing up because his mom called them Angel Kisses.  He would look in the mirror and hope for at least one.  It never happened.  Bummer.)

Autumn:  I love Brendan’s red hair and he is a really good babysitter.  And he’s a great pianist.  And at sharing candy.

Brendan:  My hair must be stylish.

Becky:  I love that Brendan is a huge sharer.  He is constantly sharing what he has – cards, candy, time, music.  One day he told me that when he’s feeling a little sad or lonely he shares and feels better.  What a great lesson! – to reach outside of yourself when feeling down.

Caleb:  I love his shirt.  (Marvel Heroes)  I love monsters on his shirt.

We have loved having Brendan live with us!

(We have cousins here!  Could you tell??)

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