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 bug month with StoryCaptain, and we were sent both a book with realistic illustrations of insects that follow a fantastical storyline, and a more cartoonish take featuring a cheeky snail named Escargot. The activities printed on the flip side offer imaginative ideas; I love the second one that encourages families to get outside. I had to chuckle at the third one, offering the idea of having your child draw a picture of all the bugs that might live beneath their room or house—eek! I think that would creep my kiddos out. But of course some children would find it exciting!
It Fell From the Sky by the Fan Brothers — Retail Value $17.99
Found on sale here for $14.99
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Fans of the James and the Giant Peach book or movie will find the anthropomorphic bugs filling this book to be fast friends. The illustrations are extremely compelling, all done in sepia tones save for the realistic-looking marble that, as far as the bugs can tell, fell from the sky. Each insect has a different idea of where it came from and what to do with it, and ultimately it's the spider who turns it into an attraction that draws bugs far and wide. He earns many leafy winnings in the process. When a "five-legged creature" (aka a small child's hand) reclaims the marble, upsetting the entire operation, the spider has a think and determines he'll take a new, less greedy approach to marveling at other fallen objects. This book's pictures are gallery-worthy and the storyline is a really fun shift in perspective on things that might scatter a yard.
Escargot by Dashka Slater (Author), Sydney Hanson (Illustrator) — Retail Value $18.99
Found on sale here for $13.35
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This bug book takes a totally different approach with more cartoonish illustrations (they're adorable), and really playful text. The book is written from the perspective of the snail, and he breaks the fourth wall by addressing the reader directly. He's a French snail making his way toward a salad that he intends to eat, and is willing to share with the reader. There is some cute banter on his way to the salad, and when he arrives, he finds it unexpectedly contains an ingredient he does not like: carrots. Ultimately he tries the carrot and finds he enjoys it. A really positive touch at the end there, I think any parent would agree!
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 hardcover 2 picture books that add up to a total of $37.98 when calculated using their full retail value. When you consider Amazon's discounted prices, the total value adds up to $28.34, but you have the benefit of book selection, activity ideas, the cute sticker sheet, and the excitement of getting mail that contains surprise books.
Key Takeaways
The longer we are subscribed to multiple book subscriptions—as well as being a family that frequents the library—we are starting to receive some familiar titles in this box. It's still exciting, because then we have a good opportunity to share our favorite books with friends or our neighborhood Free Little Library! But this month we received completely new-to-us books and adored both. We have already read them many times, and look forward to revisiting them over and over.
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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.
What did you think of the January StoryCaptain picks for the 4-7 age group? Click below to write a review!
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