Story Starters

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

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs