Expert Review: Surprise Stories

Surprise Stories is a set of 120 illustrated cards that inspire kids and families to tell their own stories. The cards are divided into three decks: Stars, featuring characters and creatures; Settings, which depict different locations; and Storylines, which provide the plot prompts. Kids will learn the basics of storytelling (subject, setting, and plot) with the decks while engaging their imaginations to weave their own tales. There are 64,000 possible card combinations, so no two stories will ever be the same. 

The cards also feature rhythmic poetry with fun descriptions and watercolor artwork packed with tiny details, so there is always something new to discover. 

Play is super open-ended, kids and adults can each take on the role of the storyteller, or they can tap each other in and out. While the official “rules” are printed on the top of the box, there’s really no right or wrong way to enjoy Surprise Stories.

Surprise Stories puts an end to bedtime routine monotony. When kids just want to read the same story over and over, it can take the fun and magic out of bedtime, but Surprise Stories sprinkles a little fairy dust right back in. And it’s not just kids who will get creative, caregivers will, too. And for any adults or kids who need a little more direction or help getting started, each deck features helpful hints to send them on their merry way toward a creative, fun story. 

In our little woven tale, the star of the story was the llama, who is clad in his beachy best and holding a tropical drink. The llama found himself in the setting of Scary Sanctuary, a land full of monsters of all shapes and sizes. As for the storyline, this tale is centered on “prized possessions,” which says that something very precious to the star has gone missing. So, we take all of that info, mash it all together, and dream up a brand new story.

The set costs $39.99, which may feel a bit steep at first, but if you consider the average cost of a children’s book is in the realm of $14.99, this is an incredible value for how much content there is packed in the set. The cards are stunning in design, but if you are playing with toddlers who are still working on fine motor skills, they may get a bit bent (especially if your kids are used to the sturdiness of board books). 

The cards are highly detailed and well illustrated, but they also feature plenty of text, so while younger kids ages 2 and up can absolutely enjoy the set, it’s great for older kids and early readers as well.

Imaginative kids; families looking for screen-free playtime; caregivers who are bored of their children’s book library; anyone looking for a creative, out-of-the-box gift