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
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
It's artist month with StoryCaptain, and the 4-7 age group was sent two books that offer both a lesson in art history and an introduction to how confidence can be built through art. One is a hardback and one is a paperback. The back of the info card gives three ideas for activities and a sheet of colorful dot stickers.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds — Retail Value $7.91
When I initially flipped through this book I noticed its pared-down illustrations with very little color, and wasn't sure if it would keep my kids' attention. But my five-year-old daughter recognized it right away from Kindergarten, and she remained engaged through the whole thing. It's a story of a child who's feeling uninspired in art class, and the art teacher encourages her to start by drawing a dot on her blank page. When the child isn't able to come up with anything beyond the simple dot, the teacher asks her to sign it anyway, and frames it above her desk. It gives the child the courage to keep creating, and she ends up expanding on the concept of dots in future artworks. She inspires those around her with her body of work, and in the end, goes on to instill that same spark in another kid. Very sweet and inspiring!
Painting Pepette by Linda Ravin Lodding (Author), Claire Fletcher (Illustrator) — Retail Value $17.99
Found on sale for $15.59
The other book in the box was also familiar to our family—we had borrowed it from the library a couple of years ago, but at the time we determined our daughter was too young to connect with it. It landed this time around, and it's become her current favorite book! The story follows a young girl who lives in Paris in the 1940s, when there was a high concentration of famous artists working in the city at the time. Josette takes a little tour of their easels on the street to find one who will paint the right portrait of her beloved bunny. Through this experience, readers get exposure to famous artists and their styles. It's such a clever way to introduce these artists to children.
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, with shipping included. July's box included two picture books—one hardback and one paperback—that add up to $25.90 using full retail prices, or $23.90 using Amazon sale prices. This box sometimes breaks even, sometimes not; either way I find a great deal of value in the book selection and activities, and am happy with the value.
Key Takeaways
My five-year-old daughter loves drawing, creating, and crafting. We practice her technique and we talk about patience and flexibility when the outcome of her illustrations don't turn out as hoped—but it hadn't dawned on me to start teaching her about famous artists! So we loved the different approach to a familiar topic. We are enjoying both books very much.
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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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