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 4-7.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Opening The Box
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Subscribers can look forward to a colorful unboxing experience, with their easy-to-spot bright red shipping materials and neatly tissue-paper-wrapped contents.
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Note & Activity
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It's Friendship month with StoryCaptain, and we're sent two animal-filled books to celebrate its twists and turns. The info card here introduces the two books, and the opposite side of the card offers three activity ideas. My favorite is the idea to hold a pet parade with stuffed animals or toys. The sticker sheet we were sent this month is filled with adorable polar bears, penguins, and snowmen who are up to wintry activities.
I'm Sticking With You by Smriti Prasadam-Halls (author) and Steve Small (illustrator) — Retail Value $18.99
Found on sale here for $9.34
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Our first book on the friendship theme features a bear-squirrel duo. The bear is voicing his commitment to the squirrel, and dutifully following his friend wherever he goes. If you look closely at the squirrels expressions, you and your child might get a chuckle from how grumpy the squirrel is about it all. Partway through the book, we get a surprise, when the squirrel actually speaks up (indicated by a different text font), and tells the bear he needs space. The bear is heartbroken but respects it. Once finally alone, the squirrel realizes how much he misses bear and asks him to come back. The book ends with a more mutual pledge for togetherness.
The story is cute, and the message is helpful as my five-year-old navigates early friendships. Sometimes we or our pals do need space, and it can feel really hard and hurtful to give it! But it doesn't mean that we aren't loved by them.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev (author) and Taeeun Yoo (illustrator) — Retail Value $18.99
Found on sale here for $7.49
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Next up we have a book that dips its toe just a bit into fantasy: the storyline could be real other than that many of the pets in the book are tiny wild animals. Very sweet. The main character is a little boy who takes such thoughtful care of his tiny elephant friend, and has a rude awakening when he goes to bring him to pet club, only to find elephants are excluded. In his hurt, he finds another child with a pet who was left out, and together they form an all-welcome pet club.
This is a book we have borrowed from the library on multiple occasions, and fallen in love with. We've brought it with us on trips to grandma's house, and so my daughters' grandparents and uncle too have a fondness for the gentleness and inclusivity in this story. It's a keeper, to be sure.
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. This month, we received 2 picture books that add up to a total of $37.98 when calculated using their full retail value. As holiday sales continue, these books are available at deep discounts on Amazon. But considering full retail values, you save 21% by receiving these two titles through StoryCaptain.
Key Takeaways
We continue to love StoryCaptain's book selection. We enjoyed both books very much—in I'm Sticking With You, we were particularly amused by the nuances of the storyline that were communicated through the illustrations. Strictly No Elephants is already a family favorite in our house, and it made us smile to receive this copy.
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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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