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 Sights and Sounds of Africa and the activity guide provided ideas for 3 fun games with a craft component. The sticker sheet came with 4 monkey individual stickers. Compared to our previous boxes, the stickers left a lot to be desired, and I thought StoryCaptain could've added more variety in the box.
Hug by Jez Alborough — Retail Value $8.99
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At first glance, I was super excited to read this book with Maddie. She loves animals and the pictures were highly detailed and packed with color. But the words? The book literally used only the word "hug" until the very end. I was underwhelmed by the lack of text and variety of vocabulary. Even though it was cute watching the little monkey Bobo seek out a hug from him mom and watch his puzzled pals gaze upon his adventure, I wouldn't have purchased this book on my own.
B is for Baby by Atinuke (Author), Angela Brooksbank (Illustrator) — Retail Value $7.99
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At the first book, I was a bit worried about the rest of the box. Thankfully, the rest of the books made up for the first one. This book was much more well-rounded and I thought the text and imagery combination were perfect for a toddler. In this adorable story, Baby’s big brother is getting ready to take his basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow in the next village. Little does he know that Baby decided to tag along by hiding in the basket!
Baby gets to experience an adventure that consists of a bumpy road paired with sights of baobab trees, birds, and butterflies (although I'm not quite sure how Baby sees that well through the basket's weaving). Alas, Baby's brother arrives at Baba's, and Baby is discovered in the basket. The story ends with the trio eating biscuits with one another after Baby and Brother's day journey.
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke (Author), Angela Brooksbank (Illustrator) — Retail Value $8.99
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Just like the previous books in this box, this book also contained vivid imagery. However, I thought the text and variety of images per box were a bit too complicated for toddlers, at least younger ones like my daughter. In this story, Baby goes with Mama to the market and secretly collects his own stash of fruit as they stop by each vendor.
Mama realizes that her basket feels way too heavy for some odd reason only to discover that Baby has taken various fruits from the vendors without her prior knowledge. However, she realizes after stopping back by each vendor that they gifted the fruits to Baby and that he did not actually steal them. In the end, Baby and Mama get to keep their new collection of fruit to enjoy at home.
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 September added up to $25.97 and the additional cost for stickers probably cost around $1. 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
Unlike the previous boxes from StoryCaptain, I was not as impressed with the value of this box. This was due to 2 major reasons: the first book Hug lacked vocabulary, and the sticker sheet only provided 4 stickers, all of which were the same. Thankfully, the other 2 books contained a wider array of vocabulary to make up for what was lacking in the first book. However, the third book was a bit advanced for a younger toddler who's recently advanced from the baby stage.
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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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