Story Pirates, one of the most popular improv groups that’s based on kids’ stories and is dedicated specifically for kids, has a busy month ahead; they have a big benefit show at the NY Skirball on March 15th, new episodes of season three of their hugely popular podcast, a new album called Cats Sit on You and a new book for middle-graders called Quest for The Crystal Crown. The Mama Maven is excited to host a guest reviewer: my thirteen-year-old daughter, Maya, who’s also read their previous book, Digging Up Danger, has obliged us with a review of the new book. Scroll down to read it and find out more info about all of Story Pirates’ new happenings.
Info about the benefit show:
“Every year, we raise money for Story Pirates Changemakers, our non-profit arm, to bring life-changing creative writing and drama programs to low-income schools, refugee programs, homeless shelters, and hospitals.”
“Please join us for our biggest shows of the year, filled with influential supporters, corporate sponsors, and children throwing pies in the faces of the Pirates. Past guest stars include Conan O’Brien, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, Rachel Bloom, Jon Stewart and many, many more!”
Tickets are $35 and up. VIP ticket includes reception, meet and greet with podcast hosts and $55 tax deduction. Zone A only. Click here for more info.
Maya’s Book Review:
The Story Pirates “Quest for The Crystal Crown” is a great book. One of my favorite things about Story Pirates is that it is based off an idea from a kid, in this case Angie Ortiz. The “Quest for The Crystal Crown” is about Laura, a Lysor. A Lysor is a magical person that has one identifying feature that makes it look different from a human: a piece of glowing green hair. They also have magical powers that allow them to control fire, water, earth, air, and healing, but these are weakened without the Crystal Crown. The Lysors live in Hillview, a hidden place they were forced to retreat to after their queen’s Crystal Crown was stolen. Laura longs for adventure and when 2 Hexors (their enemies that supposedly stole the Crystal Crown) manage to find their world and threaten to bring an army to kill them, Laura knows she has to do something. She bravely ventures out of the walls with her cousin, Millie, and somehow manages to meet up with a friendly Hextor, ride on a Donkeycorn (donkey/unicorn), meet some goblins, and so much more.
I really like this book, because while I don’t usually like fantasy, I felt like this was really creative and a new approach towards writing fantasy books and was really exciting. This book was a page-turner, and I could not stop reading it. One of the things I liked most was it had a “fantasy creation zone” in the back of the book, which basically taught you and gave you tips about how to write a fantasy story. I have a passion for writing, and I have started to try to draft a story using this and I feel like it really helped me. The fact that this story was based off an idea by an 11-year-old is inspiring to me. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.
Click here to purchase the book and here for the podcast. Check the website for more info about their upcoming album, due in late March.
I was not compensated for this post. I received a copy of the book.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for nineteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 13, 10 and 7.
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