Katherine Battistoni

The Story Thief Katherine Battistoni

This book is a lighthearted children's story about a town where all stories instantly vanish, including traditional holidays, advertisements, music, and movies. A young boy with a healthy imagination rises to the occasion to help. It is directed at children beginning to question Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Older children will understand the ethical concern of theft as it is raised and concluded by a misguided but not too evil villain. The Story Thief is a tale encouraging young children to try something new, to experiment, to solve a problem and to create. An innovator can be a winner! The large impact of stories in our own culture is suggested by the many forms of writings, art, music, movies, conversation, holidays, drama, etc. that disappear with the town's stories. Fiction is a basic literary type enjoyed by all age groups. Stories can produce a fresh, direct and highly versatile affect. Children mainly enjoy the entertainment factor. However, a story may persuade, exalt, warn, sell, teach, deceive, defend or be used for many other purposes. In other words, why did someone invent this story? A vital goal is for children to think for themselves as to whether the intent of the story that they find is a positive one or less altruistic.