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
The September StoryCaptain 4-7 is here, and it's all about nighttime adventures. This month we were sent two picture books: one hardcover and one paperback. The back of the intro card offers ideas for on-theme activities with various levels of effort, and the sticker sheet of the month is sparkly stars of all colors.
Scaredy Squirrel at Night by Melanie Watt — Retail Value $7.99
Have you explored the Scaredy Squirrel books? In them, the squirrel at hand is generally terrified of all things, but has a sense of humor about it. We were sent the Nighttime edition, wherein the squirrel follows his pattern of catastrophizing about his fear, only to eventually overcome it through misadventures. I love the concept of these books and how they tackle commonly feared things for children, leaning directly into them and demystifying them. As a reader, I find them tricky to navigate, because (as you can see in the pictures above) there are lists and decentralized information every few pages. But this approach leaves a lot of room for conversation and laughs!
Night Owl by Christopher Denise — Retail Value $17.99
Found on sale here for $14.32
Next up is a book that plays on the term "night owl," taking on the homophone "knight owl." It's about a small, young owl who dreams of being a knight, and ends up having the opportunity to become one when many (regular, human) knights go missing. By keeping night watch as owls do best, the little guy is able to identify the culprit of the mystery, and ends up befriending them, making for a safer kingdom for everyone. There is courage and cleverness throughout.
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. For September we received two books with a total retail value of $25.98, or if you consider Amazon prices, $22.31. That value is on the low size of average for this box and many children's book boxes in general. There is value added by the book selection, activities, and fun delivery!
Key Takeaways
This month's book selections weren't smash hits for my family the way some months are, but we still got a lot of value out of this month's delivery. We got to address some fears of the dark, and feel proud of a tiny fictional owl who, despite being tiny, was a hero in his community!
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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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