ONCE UPON A TODDLER
Story Baskets
Thoughtful, book-inspired play made simple. Each basket pairs a beloved picture book with easy props, prompts and printables to help stories live beyond the page.
FEATURED STORY BASKET
Corduroy
After reading Corduroy, we brought the story to life with a few simple activities using things we already had at home.
Help Corduroy find his missing buttons by hiding them around the room.
Matched buttons to simple color and number cards.
Act out the story together through imaginative play.
Story baskets don’t have to be complicated. A beloved picture book, a few everyday items, and a little imagination can create such meaningful play after storytime.
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READ · GATHER · PLAY
What is a story basket?
A story basket is a small collection of objects inspired by a picture book—animals, natural materials, simple toys or printable pieces. Children can hold, move and explore them while you read, then return to the story through imaginative play.
1 Choose a story
2 Gather simple props
3 Read, retell and play
Browse story baskets
Simple ideas using books you may already love.
Book-inspired · Ages 3–6
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
A simple way to notice colors, characters and details while you read together.
Explore this basket ->
Book-inspired · Ages 3–6
Little Blue Truck
A simple way to notice colors, characters and details while you read together.
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Book-inspired · Ages 3–6
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
A simple way to notice colors, characters and details while you read together.
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Mamma Bloomer 