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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To introduce the books of the month is this welcome card. Our October theme is Getting Around Town, and we explore this topic on a bus ride and bike ride by way of the included books. On the opposite side of the card are three on-theme activity ideas using household items and imaginations. The sticker sheet of the month is a rhino race car driver DIY—fun!
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (Author), Christian Robinson (Illustrator) — Retail Value $18.99
Found on sale here for $11.39
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Though it's listed second on the info card, I'm going to talk about this book first. We already have this one, and have owned it for a couple of years, since our five-year-old was about three. It's one our family has returned to time and again. There are things for adults and kids alike to appreciate about this story—it's told through the perspective of a child, but he shares the wisdom that his grandmother gives. He shares it from a place of not entirely understanding it, but recognizes that it holds importance nonetheless. Isn't this such a huge theme of childhood? There is sensing, trusting, and following the lead of their trusted adults. Their journey on a bus takes them somewhere unexpected, and shows the magic of interacting with different types of people along the way.
StoryCaptain offers that if you are sent a book you already own, you can email them a picture of both books at [email protected], and they'll send you a coupon toward your next renewal. Rather than going this route, we decided to keep it to give to a friend at their upcoming birthday party.
Chirri & Chirra, Underground by Kaya Doi (Creator), David Boyd (Translator) — Retail Value $16.95
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Any novelty that may have been absent for us in the familiar, beloved book above is completely made up for by this second book in the box. My five-year-old daughter and I were completely rapt by Chirri & Chirra from Page 1, we were actively delighted by the storyline and details throughout it, and we were quick to declare it the Best Book Ever as soon as we closed the back cover. We've since read it every night before bed. Why so magical? Well, the storyline is sweetly understated, and their bicycle adventure as they follow small animals through underground tunnels is so whimsical. This book was translated from Japanese, which I believe is our family's first time reading a translated picture book. When I gave this title a search, I found that it's part of a four-part series. My daughter immediately asked, "Can we get all of them?" My answer: "Of course." We were so glad to be introduced to this series.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
This box is for the 4-7 age range, but our 2-year-old is also enjoying the 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
Value Breakdown: This subscription costs $29.90 including shipping. For October we were sent 2 books that add up to $35.94 at full retail value. If you consider the Amazon sale price of Last Stop on Market Street, the value totals $28.34. That means that by subscribing, you get up to a 17% discount, not including the value that comes from book selection, the included activities, and the joy of receiving and opening this great mail!
Key Takeaways
We LOVED the Getting Around Town theme of StoryCaptain this month! We were sent one familiar, beloved picture book and one new-to-us book that is an absolute gem. We can't wait to share the book we already own that we love, and read more from the series we were introduced to.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
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 October StoryCaptain picks for the 4-7 age group? Click below to write a review!
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