Kids Can Write and Publish Their Own Books

Simply Stated By RealSimple.com by Erin—Manic Mommies

Have you ever walked into the children's section of a bookstore and thought, "My kid could write a more interesting book."

Well now he can. And if you jump on it now, you might actually get your book in time for Father's Day.

I have recently been introduced to Tikatok,the first online community that allows children to write, illustrate and print single copies of their own books. Using its patent-pending story guideline system—StorySparks—this interactive and inspired website allows children of all ages to develop original content with or without the help of prompts.

Much like a teacher might prompt a child in the classroom setting, Tikatok helps children to choose characters, such as princesses or aliens, and gives them a loose plotline or framework to help guide the creative writing process. No Mad Libs, here. These are not your standard fill-in-the-blanks questions. Instead, Tikatok asks questions like “What happens to the princess next?” to help stimulate the child's imagination and storytelling skills.

We all know the story is only part of what makes a good book. You've got to have great pictures, too! Tikatok allows users to scan in original artwork or mail in original drawings to be included in the printed book. (I would suggest making color copies first if you're sending in the work of a future Picasso). You can even select images created and uploaded by other young writers and artists in the community. Individual story books cost around $20 and come complete with the author's bio, photo and name.

I gave the site a test run, and think many of the site's tools and features are probably beyond the Club Penguin-level skills of my computer literate 6-year-old boy (the management team of Tikatok has experience with the MIT Media Lab, enough said). But I do plan on working on a book with each of my boys to give to my dear husband for Father's Day.

Another thought came to me while testing Tikatok: I wonder whether I can skip the whole story part and just have all of my son's artwork from the previous school year made into a hardcover book? Even better if I don't have to scan it in. I'd pay almost anything to get that artwork out of the bottom desk drawer of my kitchen.