Story Starters

Available August 4, 2026

Written by M.H. Clark
Illustrated by Kevin Howdeshell and Kristen Howdeshell

Storytime is different every time with this immersive deck featuring gorgeous illustrations and imaginative storytelling prompts. Each card sets up the beginning of a different story, inspiring children and adults to finish it their own way.

I hopped on to ride my new bike around the block. I didn’t notice anything at first, but soon the bike seemed to be picking up speed. A little faster, and a little faster. And then…"

Build connection through play by telling stories together. Story Starters is a new and revised edition of a well-loved classic collection of 20 beginnings of imaginative tales. Imagine, pulling off your shelf what looks like an old, mysterious book, but in fact is a box brimming with stories waiting to hop off onto their own adventures. Select a card from the stack and begin reading, paying close attention to the details in illustration and story. What do you notice? What else do you imagine in the world you see? When you get to “And then…,” spring off onto your own story and see what adventures await. 

You’ll never be stumped when a child says, “Tell me a story…” because you’ll have a trove of stand-alone prompts full of bright colors, mysterious characters, and all kinds of unexpected things. Blast off to outer space, discover a mysteriously quick bicycle, spend the night in a treehouse with fireflies! Soon, you’ll discover your own favorite ways to finish these stories over and over again.

Story Starters is your key to new worlds; no matter how many times you use each card, you’ll never end up in the same place. And just like a journey in a new land, there’s no right or wrong way to wander; your imagination always knows exactly what to do.

• Hours of screen-free play
• Perfect for story time or play time
• Create a new story every time you read each card 
• Features 20 extra thick cards plus storytelling tips