Our friends at Emagine Entertainment were kind of enough to let these little elves in to prepare for our upcoming literacy program. FOLKTELLERS® Josef Bastian Stephen Sadler hashtag#literacy hashtag#reading hashtag#entertainment hashtag#movies hashtag#learning
The first wave of Folktellers For Literacy kits is officially packed and ready to ship to schools across Michigan! 🚀
These all-in-one storytelling kits bring the magic of professional oral tradition straight into classrooms — complete with:
✨ Masterfully told folktales from around the world
✨ Josef Bastian's Award-winning and Beautifully illustrated Book series
✨ Lesson plan with media production activities for the class
✨ Digital extensions through the Folktellers social and digital channels
✨ Everything teachers need to spark imagination and skyrocket literacy
From reluctant readers finding their voice to entire classes bonding over ancient myths and modern wonders, we can’t wait to see the stories these Michigan students will live and tell.
Thank you to every educator, donor, storyteller, Emagine Entertainment and literacy champion who made this moment possible. The next chapter of wonder begins now.
This fall, Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios are rolling out the red carpet for a brand-new storytelling and literacy initiative that turns young readers into filmmakers. In partnership with regional literacy programs, the project blends reading, imagination, and movie magic, inspiring kids to see their stories come alive on the big screen. Bre Teamer chats with Josef Bastian, creator of award-winning seven-book series, Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook, to discuss the program.
 Presented by Emagine Entertainment & Folktellers Studios
Your Students’ Stories Deserve the Spotlight!
This fall, partner with us to turn young readers into filmmakers! Blend reading, imagination, and movie magic into cinematic experiences celebrating creativity, confidence, and community. Scholarships available: NO COST for qualifying schools, libraries, and literacy groups!
Dive into Award-Winning Worlds
Students explore Josef Bastian’s award-winning Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook series—Series I of the Folktellers Master Cycle, a universe of mystery, adventure, and folklore where stories wield ultimate power.
Young heroes Aaron, Wendy, Jake, and Eddie join Folktellers, Travelers, and Guardians on a global quest using a magical mechanical map to find hidden excerpts of the lost Master Guidebook. Shadowy specters led by Apscind battle for control, manifesting as monsters from global myths and legends.
The 7 enchanting tales: Phases of the Moon, Cave in the Rock, Shadows on the Silver Strings, The Great American Fairy Hoax, The Child that Never Was, A Clockwork Thief, and The Matryoshka Doll.
Award-winning for imaginative depth and emotional impact—ideal for bibliotherapy and sparking lifelong reading love!
From Page to Premiere
Read & Imagine: Dive into the Excerpts series.
Create Magic: Craft movie trailers inspired by characters and themes.
Shine Bright: Finalists premiere at Emagine Theatres red carpet event with celebrity judges, photos, and big-screen glory.
A celebration of imagination, courage, and teamwork!
All-in-One Program Kit
30 Award-Winning Novels from the series
30 Participant Awards & Folktellers Bookmarks
1 First-Place Winner Award
1 Complete 7-Book Set of the series
Real Red Carpet Runner for local premieres
Comprehensive Educator Guide with step-by-step instructions
Zero cost with scholarships!
What Students Gain
Strengthen reading and writing skills
Build confidence, empathy, and teamwork
Learn digital storytelling and film production
Explore emotional wellness and resilience through creativity
Experience bibliotherapy—healing through story
Perfect for: Elementary & Middle Schools; Libraries & Literacy Programs; After-School & Summer Learning; Youth Film, Arts & Wellness Groups.
Timeline
Open Enrollment: November 2025
Kits Ship: February 2026
Program Runs: February–April 2026
Celebrity Judging: May 2026
Red Carpet Premiere: June 2026 🎉
Join the Adventure!
Empower students to read, create, and shine. Scholarships ensure accessibility for all. Open enrollment begins November 3rd, 2025.
Visit: https://folktellersforliteracy.com
Because every reader is a storyteller—and every story deserves a spotlight.
#LightsCameraRead #FolktellersAdventure #StorytellingForLiteracy
This fall, Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios are rolling out the red carpet for a brand-new storytelling and literacy initiative that turns young readers into filmmakers. In partnership with regional literacy programs, the project blends reading, imagination, and movie magic — inspiring kids to see their stories come alive on the big screen.
The program invites students to dive into Josef Bastian’s award-winning seven-book series, Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook — a universe filled with adventure, mystery, and the limitless power of storytelling. After reading the books, participants will create their own three-minute movie trailers inspired by the series’ characters, worlds, and themes.
Working with regional literacy programs, Folktellers Studios and Emagine will distribute creative kits and connect with classrooms and community groups across the region to make the program accessible to as many young storytellers as possible.
The excitement culminates with a film contest, where participants will post their short films on the Storytelling for Literacy website, where celebrity judges and the community at large can vote for their favorite film. Selected finalists will attend an exclusive red-carpet premiere event at Emagine Theatres. There, their short films will be showcased on the big screen, giving kids, families, teachers, and the community a chance to celebrate storytelling in true Hollywood style.
Author Josef Bastian notes, “We are so excited to launch this program with Emagine, as it represents the storytelling bridge between reading, literacy and entertainment. This will be an experience that brings the entire community together to celebrate the joy of reading and making movies.”
Executive Producer, Stephen Sadler, points out that, “Stories have the power to heal and connect us. When kids read and create, they discover their voice and build confidence — and that’s where literacy and mental well-being truly come together. Every story they tell helps them grow, imagine, and feel seen.”
This is about more than reading a book, it’s about inspiring creativity, collaboration, and confidence — and proving that great stories can come from anyone, anywhere.
The program officially launches in November 2025 when open enrollment begins. Participants will receive their kits in February, allowing them to run the program through April, when celebrity judging will begin, culminating in the red carpet event in June 2026 at Emagine Theatres.
For more information about the Storytelling & Literacy Program, visit https://folktellersforliteracy.com.
