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 October with the StoryCaptain 4-7 box. They're leaning into autumn and Halloween season with two books that each take on a different approach to the season. On the back are three activity ideas inspired by the books and a sticker sheet for building your own silly jack-o-lantern face.
A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall (author) and Vera Brosgol (illustrator) — Retail Value $18.99
Found on sale here for $9.19
My kiddos love Halloween for all the costumes, candy, and curiosity—but my six-year-old in particular is NOT interested in being scared or spooked. She has feedback for some intense yard decorators in our neighborhood. This story is a great example of how kids can engage with the fantasy of the season without the cortisol spike. It's about a witch who's teaching how to make stew on a cooking show. The final and most important ingredient is to add a frog, but she can't keep the frog from hopping off her spoon! Hilarity ensues as she tries all she can to catch a darn frog, and in the end she concedes to using a different ingredient—it's a fun surprise.
Wild Child by Lynn Plourde (author) and Greg Couch (illustrator) — Retail Value $8.99
Taking on a more sentimental approach to the season, this colorful paperback book is a story of Mother Nature and her wild child, Autumn. Mother Nature and the child both take on different shapes and forms that represent natural aspects of the season, and the words are very playful and poetic. My kids were rapt by this book, and enjoyed the more open storyline here. I've found my six-year-old flipping through the pages on her own, enjoying the fall illustrations.
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. October brought us a hardback book and a paperback book that cost $18.99 and $8.99 respectively, though the hardback book can be found on Amazon for $9.19. Full-price, the book retail values add up to $27.97, which when you consider the value of the book selection and activities, feels worthwhile.
Key Takeaways
We really enjoyed the two different takes on Fall with this month's books—a friendly Halloween tale and a sweet autumnal exploration. Three cheers for non-spooky Halloween stuff!
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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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