Kevin Coolidge holds a copy of his Story Monsters Approved book. Soon all copies of his book will be displaying the “Story Monsters Approved seal.

WELLSBORO — The book, “The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet Bigfoot,” by Kevin Coolidge, of Wellsboro, has earned approval in the Story Monsters Approved program, which recognizes accomplished authors in the field of children’s literature.

Young readers know when they see the Story Monsters Approved patch, it means children their own age enjoyed the book and are recommending they read it, too.

After books pass the first round of judging by industry experts, the books are then judged by a panel of youth judges who also must endorse the books before they can receive the official seal of approval.

“Who better to judge children’s books than the children who read them?” said Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. “Judging these books gives children a wonderful sense of importance and responsibility.”

In “The Totally Ninja Raccoons meet Bigfoot,” the protagonists discover they are not meant to be ordinary bandits, but rather carry the potential to be something extraordinary — ninjas.

The raccoons begin their ninja training and meet their first potential employer — Gypsy the Cat. Gypsy sends the raccoons on their first mission, to capture the elusive Bigfoot.

“The Totally Ninja Raccoons” is a new children’s series for second to fourth grade readers. It specifically is geared toward reluctant readers.

“The series is set in Tioga County and Wellsboro with five books published and more to come,” Coolidge said.

Coolidge is the co-owner of From My Shelf Books, 7 E. Ave., Suite 101, Wellsboro. Young readers can visit the author at his bookstore, see art from the Ninja Raccoon books on display and have him personalize their copies.