Teachers, therapists, and parents have been using Interplay stories for over 18 years to help young children discover new approaches to overcoming learning or emotional obstacles.

Interplay stories appeal to the child's sense of adventure and imagination while offering advice on how to handle life's challenges. Children often reject advice that is offered by teachers or parents directly. Each story mirrors a real life issue where the main character struggles with a common childhood difficulty. Interplay stories address issues such as ADHD, self-control, following directions, solving conflicts, overcoming fear of failure, friendship difficulties and more.

Stories that attempt to help children solve problems often make the mistake of racing to the 'happily ever after'. They frequently leave out an essential ingredient to success - describing the set backs and perseverance needed. Interplay stories offer a realistic model of success. The characters experience missteps on their journey to success, but with perseverance and willingness to try new things they are victorious.

A True Story

Here is one teacher's experience:

My many efforts to help David manage his anger had been unsuccessful. A colleague suggested I try an Interplay Story. I had my doubts, but was willing to give it a try. I introduced David to The Hot Headed Dragon.

Drawing by David

Long, long ago, there lived a fierce and fiery Dragon. He was a fine dragon and good at many things. His family was very proud of him. He did have one problem. Whenever he was angry, flames would burst from his mouth. Lots of things made him mad. He didn't like being told what to do. He didn't like having to wait for his turn. Every time the fiery Dragon lost a game or had a hard time doing something, he would breathe red-hot flames. Worst of all, when other dragons made him mad, he would shoot the flames right at them. This would always send the other dragons running.

The story continues with the King sending the dragon to the dungeon. While in the dungeon, a royal subject visits the dragon and teaches him how to 'cool off'. The dragon puts these calming techniques into practice. Finally, he succeeds in taming his temper, and is released from the dungeon.

Within four weeks David's parents and teachers were commenting on the dramatic and lasting changes they saw. His disruptive behavior decreased from 5-8 times a day to 2-3 times a month. This change persisted into the next school year.

Learn more about the issues addressed by the Interplay Story Set

"Your story helped bridge the gap for our family. It gave us a new way to relate to an old problem. When my son is upset, he still goes to get the book and asks me to read it to him. Even at a young age, he knows that this story is different- he knows it helps him." Margaret P. - Parent