Story Explorers
A book subscription service for ages 0–7+ that embeds sharing stories at home to strengthen bonding and attachment for foster, kinship and adoptive families.
About Story Explorers
Story Explorers offers a way for families to build a sense of familiarity, security and identity, which can improve placement stability and success. The programme provides the tools carers need to create a nurturing home environment, enhancing their recruitment and retention experience.
Story Explorers:
- An evidence-informed programme, designed with families and stakeholders and informed by BookTrust’s expertise in early years and experience delivering the Letterbox Club programme
- Equips families with the right books and skills to create fun, joyous experiences, through engaging, relatable books and connected activities
- Sparks enjoyment and exploration with a variety of story-sharing methods so each family can find what works for them
- Offers online support for parents, carers and practitioners and monthly kit delivery for families that builds anticipation and motivation around reading
Sharing stories helps to nurture feelings of stability, familiarity and security by sharing a regular, predictable, enjoyable experience during times of transition. These warm, joyous interactions build and strengthen bonds and attachment through shared attention, emotional availability, reciprocity and mutual enjoyment.
Story Explorers at a glance
- Designed for use by foster, kinship and adoption families
- For purchase by local authorities, fostering and adoption agencies
- £24.99 per child, per month
- Families are direct-delivered 1 new story kit per month
- Parents, carers and practitioners get access to expert support online
- Suitable for reading age 0–7 (story kits are designed for reading stage not age)
What’s included in the Story Kits?
- Choice of book buddy toy for each child, developing personal agency
- Story kits delivered directly to families, ensuring each child feels held in mind
- Two sensitively selected books chosen by experts and practitioners
- Exciting play resources and ‘curiosity cards’ to support connection and inspiration on how to engage with the stories
Online support
Support is available for carers/parents and practitioners, and includes:
- Accessible, dedicated online hub for parents, carers and practitioners with tools and resources to scaffold confidence in reading together
- Monthly engagement with carers and parents to inspire and reinforce learning and practical use
- Dedicated practitioner area of online hub for professionals to support family engagement
- Flexible, evidence-based toolkit to deepen understanding and practical use
How Story Explorers supports you
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Find out more and register
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Find out more and register
Evidence and research
The role of reading for children experiencing vulnerability
Our latest research briefing outlines why reading is important for children experiencing vulnerability and the learning that underpins how BookTrust is encouraging reading habits.