Ask a Story submissions invite kids to offer one-line topics for next week. Today we collect tiny sparks. Then creators pick a few favorites for the following week.
What Ask a Story is
Ask a Story submissions are short, child-first prompts. They ask children for a single sentence idea. Simple. Playful. Powerful. Families love how tiny ideas lead to big adventures. In fact, a 2023 survey found that 52% of children expressed a desire for books that make them laugh, emphasizing the importance of humor in children’s literature, which aligns perfectly with the playful nature of ‘Ask a Story.’
Why it matters
When kids help choose stories, they lean in. They feel heard and proud. Also, a one-sentence idea can blossom into a whole tale. Ask a Story submissions build routine and imagination. Research shows that 46% of U.S. children aged 6–12 have ever listened to a podcast and 39% enjoy short stories. This highlights the growing popularity of audio storytelling among children, which is a key aspect of the ‘Ask a Story’ initiative. Try it tonight and make it a gentle ritual.
How it works
- Where to submit: Parents and kids can drop a one-line idea in public social comments. Alternatively, submit privately in the app for a quieter option. Use the Storypie app to send ideas: Get the app.
- What to write: One short sentence. For example: “A sleepy dragon who sneezes stars” or “The umbrella that lost its rain.” Keep it playful and brief.
- Weekly rhythm: Submissions close on a set day. Then creators choose ideas and prepare stories for the next week. Expect a steady schedule so families can join regularly. Approximately 40% of children aged 6–17 reported having difficulty finding books they like, indicating a significant opportunity for personalized content creation through initiatives like ‘Ask a Story.’
Parents, make it a bedtime habit
Say it tonight. Have your child whisper a one-sentence idea before lights out. I do this with my kid. It takes twenty seconds and becomes a sweet ritual. Celebrate the attempt, not perfect polish. Repeat weekly for the biggest payoff. A 2023 survey found that parents field an average of 11 questions per day from their young children, but can confidently answer only 42% of them. This highlights the curiosity of children and the need for engaging storytelling that can help answer their questions, aligning perfectly with the goals of ‘Ask a Story.’
Safety, fairness, and credit
We treat privacy as essential. Public comments are moderated. In-app submissions offer family privacy and safer settings. Organizers follow anonymization and consent practices. For details, see our Privacy and safety page.
If an idea is selected, creators explain how picks are made. Families can opt for anonymized credit or a first name only. Transparency builds trust.
What happens if your idea is chosen
Selected ideas become short stories the next week. Creators handle credit with care. Then families receive clear timing and notes about publication. It feels joyful and simple. In 2023, 74% of children agreed that reading fiction and nonfiction helps them understand the world, and 53% said a book has helped them through a difficult time, underscoring the impact of storytelling on children’s lives.
Spread the tiny joy
Share this exact prompt if you like. Also use the hashtags #AskAStory and #NextWeek to find other tiny ideas. Most importantly, try it tonight and repeat it this week!
Ask a Story submissions are short, joyful, and repeatable. They turn tiny sparks into bright family moments. Give it a go.
