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: $19.95 per month + $4.95 shipping to the US.
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!
This month we received three board books following the theme of ''Little Picassos.'' The books came paired with an activity guide which included instructions for three colorful crafts related to each of the books, as well as colorful dot stickers. The crafts included making patterns with dot stickers, coloring with a purple crayon, and mixing primary colors.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Author, Illustrator) — Retail Value $9.99
I had never seen a book like this before and thought it was quite the gem! Little Harold creates his own evening adventure with the help of his expansive imagination and a jumbo purple crayon. Each scene is created and completed by his drawing expertise - which is waaay more advanced than mine ever was at that age. 🤭 He does everything from walking under the moonlight to climbing aboard a boat and sharing nine different pies with wild critters.
No wonder this book has been a hit since 1955!
A Picnic with Monet by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober (Authors)— Retail Value $7.99
While I appreciate the attempt to introduce Monet's works to young readers, this book was not popular with my kiddos. I think books that feature famed paintings are best suited for older readers who can appreciate the immense talent that goes behind them - not a two-year-old and seven-month-old. Maddie may enjoy this book at some point within the next few years, but for now, it's tucked away on our office shelves.
Press Here by Herve Tullet (Author) — Retail Value $8.99
While we generally love interactive books, this one was slightly advanced for my daughter. She was intrigued by the colors and had fun when I made her tap the circles, but she didn't have a long enough attention span to get through the entire book. However, as she gets closer to age three, I think she'll start to think this book is quite fun and put it on repeat.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $19.95 per month + $4.95 shipping to the US.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 50% off your first box with code MSA50!CODE: MSA50
Value Breakdown: This subscription costs $24.90 including shipping. The 3 books that we were sent in the 0-3 age range for January retail at $26.97 and the additional cost for stickers probably cost around $2. If you take into consideration the standard price of shipping on Amazon or other suppliers, then the total retail value is quite a bit higher than the cost of the box. Not to mention, you receive a carefully curated selection of books, and some fun activity prompts!
Key Takeaways
Unfortunately, this box was not among our favorites thus far with StoryCaptain. However, we did love Harold and the Purple Crayon, and I plan to hang onto the other books for when Maddie gets older and can appreciate them.
But don't worry StoryCaptain, we still love your service and are anxiously awaiting our upcoming box!
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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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