Story Pirates shows kids that writing and storytelling are fun. The show inspires young listeners to write and craft stories, to use their imaginations, and to imagine themselves as the authors of the future. Stories are wacky and wild and performed in the spirit of silliness. Story examples include a rap about the different kinds of cups we drink out of, people's reflections leading a revolution, a tree that dreams of walking, and a song about a dinosaur.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Characters model strong qualities such as forgiveness, how to be a good friend, making others feel welcome, following your dreams, and respecting others. Though hundreds of good examples can be found throughout all the stories kids have written, the best role model is host Lee Overtree. He frames the stories featured on Story Pirates in a positive, accepting way that encourages children to be creative in a non-judgmental setting. He concludes each episode by saying "Stay creative and stay kind." Each story is written by other kids, so young listeners can be inspired to tap into their creativity and imagine their own stories. maybe even submitting them to Story Pirates.
Diverse Representations
a little
Story Pirates gives a voice to children and their creative and imaginative spirits. In earlier episodes, host Lee Overtree even interviews the young authors who wrote the stories. Stories typically center around the upper-middle-class experience. Materialism can be prominent. Stories often reinforce traditional family structures and gender roles. Actors and singers from diverse backgrounds sometimes read stories, like Mykal-Michelle Harris, Rivkah Reyes and Michael Urie.
Story Pirates is much more focused on inspiring creativity than educating its listeners. Episodes occasionally feature an accompanying lesson guide for parents and educators looking to maximize the show's educational opportunities. These resources and activities help teach students how to develop their creative writing skills and can be found on the shows website.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Story Pirates is a spirited podcast for kids by kids. Each episode features an animated retelling of a story submitted by a kid listener. Both kids and adults will love the many episodes that feature the voices of some well-known talent like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rachel Dratch, and Julie Andrews. The podcast inspires young listeners to write and craft stories, use their imaginations, and makes writing and storytelling fun and accessible for kids. Strong themes of communication, empathy and curiosity can be felt throughout.
STORY PIRATES presents silly stories written by real kids and adapts them into sketch comedy and songs. The result is a kid-centric variety hour that takes listeners by the hand and leads them with giggles from one story to the next. The Story Pirates cast is comprised of a mostly mysterious cast of comedians and voice actors, with the occasional celebrity actor or singer. Earlier episodes feature interview segments with the young authors who've submitted their stories. The podcasts is focused on getting young listeners to practice their own creativity and develop their storytelling skills.
Story Pirates offers imaginative stories by real kids performed by a hilarious cast of committed performers and, most importantly, might inspire young listeners to write and create their own work. The show draws young people into the fun of stories with immersive sound effects and music. And it encourages them to be creative with a warm and welcoming spirit. This fun podcast reminds kids that everyone has a voice worth exploring and story worth telling and invites kids to see themselves and their experiences in the stories they create.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Story Pirates inspires creativity. What role does creativity play in your lives. When was the last time you created something? Why is being creative so important?
Story Pirates adapts stories submitted by children into sketch comedy and songs.
Activity idea: Parents and kids (or teachers and their class), come up with a fun story and submit it to Story Pirates.
Pricing structure:
Paid, Free (Free with embedded ads, additional benefits are available if you’re a member of either the Premium Creator Club ($96.00 a year) or Creator Club ($60.00 a year). Benefits include ad-free episodes, bonus podcast content, downloadable activity guides, weekly live interactive radio broadcasts, virtual events, and more.)
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By John Lachine
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
