StoryCaptain is a children's book subscription that focuses on fostering empathy, understanding, and connection through literacy. Each box comes with 2-3 books, an activity guide, and a fun little freebie. The book selection is under the care of children's literature experts to ensure that every book in your box is both developmentally appropriate and will spark joy. There are two subscription options: one for kids ages 0-3 (board books), and one for ages 4-7 (picture books).
The Cost: $24.95 per month + $4.95 shipping to the US. Save with longer subscriptions.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 50% off your first box with code MSA50!
CODE: MSA50
This review is of the subscription for ages 0-3.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Here's What's Inside
Activity Guide & Stickers
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Each monthly box from StoryCaptain comes with an informational card that also serves as an activity guide as well as stickers. This month's theme was Game On! and the activity guide provided ideas for 3 fun games with a craft component. The sticker sheet came with 24 individual stickers that were a mix of soccer balls, footballs, baseballs, and basketballs. How cute!
I Can Play by Betsy Snyder (Author) — Retail Value $8.99
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Maddie and I have never seen a book like this before! She was so intrigued by the fact you could put your fingers through the 2 holes to make the athletes compete in live action. We thought that this book provided a fun and cute way to show babies and toddlers how to do different sports and play together as a team. The book provided an interactive look at children competing in soccer, basketball, swimming (our favorite), snowboarding, running, and cheerleading. Each page explained the basics of the sport and then included a big celebration at the end of the book with all of the athletes acting as one big team.
Football Baby by Diane Adams (Author), Charlene Chua (Illustrator) — Retail Value $7.99
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This story was adorable and showed how the whole family can play football together. It starts off with both siblings, mom and dad, as well as grandma and grandpa all warming up before playing. The parents proceed to help their little ones get geared up for the big game and take their positions. One team includes the siblings and their dad, whereas the other team includes mom, grandma, and grandpa. The brother struggles a bit at first to get the hang of the game, but finally snaps the ball back to his sister. The siblings manage to work together to score and everyone cheers! This book will be perfect one day for Maddie and her little brother who's on the way. I'm sure my husband will teach them how to play (rough and tough version, of course).
Baseball Baby by Diane Adams (Author), Charlene Chua (Illustrator) — Retail Value $7.99
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The book included another family-centric story, but this time for baseball. Once again, we start off with both siblings warming up with their family members and practicing before the big game. The grandma helps direct the siblings to their proper starting positions. The mom manages to get to first base, but the son finally gets a hang of catching the ball and thwarts her attempts at a home run. They switch positions and now the boy is at bat. It looks like he's going to strike out, but manages to hit the ball on his 3rd attempt, and the ball goes soaring. Before you know it, the son gets a home run and settles down for the day.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $24.95 per month + $4.95 shipping to the US. Save with longer subscriptions.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 50% off your first box with code MSA50!
CODE: MSA50
Value Breakdown: This subscription costs $29.90 including shipping. The 3 books that we were sent in the 0-3 age range for August added up to $24.97 and the additional cost for stickers probably cost around $1-2. If you take into consideration the standard price of shipping on Amazon or other suppliers, then the total retail value is slightly higher than what you pay each month. And, if you make a longer commitment (6 or 12 months), then you'll end up saving a few extra dollars compared to purchasing the books online or in-store.
Key Takeaways
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Maddie loved this month's books again, especially I Can Play. Now that she's 1, she's finally starting to understand reading a little more and is intrigued by board books. I have a feeling that I Can Play is going to be one of her favorites for years to come due to the "live-action" feature, and I look forward to reading the sibling-based books to her and her brother once he arrives. I love how StoryCaptain includes books that kids will actually enjoy - the pictures are always vibrant and the text isn't too complicated for young readers.
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of this review's publication, this box is still available. After placing your order, your first box will be shipped within 3 business days. For subsequent boxes, they will be shipped either at the beginning or the middle of each future month.
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