Back to Blog

Ask a Story: Kids Submit Story Topics for Next Week

Kids submit story topics each week through Storypie’s Ask a Story prompt.

What Ask a Story is

Ask a Story invites children and their grownups to send simple story-topic ideas. Every week Storypie collects these tiny sparks and turns them into fresh tales. The rhythm is short and sweet, so families get regular, feel-good prompts. In fact, a recent Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report found that 52% of children expressed a desire for books that make them laugh, highlighting the importance of humor in engaging story prompts for ‘Ask a Story’.

How kids submit story topics

Use the app to tap “Submit an idea.” It takes one sentence. Parents or caregivers can add the line in a moment. Then Storypie’s team reviews entries and shapes new stories from the best sparks. Research shows that approximately 40% of children aged 6–17 reported having difficulty finding books they like, which underscores the value of encouraging kids to submit their own story ideas.

Why this matters

When kids pick the plot they listen deeply. That choice sparks imagination and makes bedtime calmer. In short, child-chosen topics create cozy routines and bright smiles. In 2023, 42% of children aged 6–17 reported that they admired or learned a life lesson from a character or real-life person after reading their story, emphasizing how storytelling can positively impact children’s moral and emotional development.

  • Sparks imagination: children picture characters and places.
  • Strengthens routines: bedtime becomes cozier and calmer.
  • Boosts ownership: kids learn their ideas matter.

Example sparks and timing

You do not need an essay. One line is perfect. For example: “A fox who loses his voice and finds it in a jar of starlight.” Simple prompts often become gentle, playful adventures. Notably, Scholastic reported that its Storyvoice live read-aloud platform had over 400,000 total viewers, including more than 12,000 classrooms during 2023, demonstrating a growing interest in interactive storytelling that aligns well with the concept of ‘Ask a Story’.

Submit by Sunday to be considered for next week. Early submissions increase the chance a spark is used.

Safety, privacy and moderation

Storypie asks for submissions inside the app and follows moderation practices to keep content age-appropriate. For full details on what information is collected, consent, and moderation rules visit App help and settings.

Also, if you have questions about crediting contributors or age limits, check the help page or contact support in the app.

FAQ

Q: How long should the topic be? A: One sentence is perfect.

Q: Can my child put their name on a submission? A: Check App help and settings for guidance on personal info and consent.

Q: When is the submission deadline? A: Submit early in the week; aim for Sunday to be considered for next week.

Final thought

This cozy, community-driven prompt turns simple ideas into shared stories and smoother evenings. Ready to try it tonight? Tap Submit an idea in the app and let a child’s idea light the way. Remember, as children grow older, engagement in reading aloud tends to decline; Scholastic’s 2023 Kids & Family Reading Report documented that only 16% of 9–11-year-olds are read aloud to at home 5–7 days a week. ‘Ask a Story’ aims to counteract this trend by encouraging story submissions.

Submit an idea | App help and settings | Storypie homepage

About the Author

Alexandra Hochee

Alexandra Hochee

Head of Education & Learning

Alexandra brings over two decades of experience supporting diverse K-12 learners. With a Master's in Special Education, she expertly integrates literacy, arts, and STEAM into Storypie's content, turning every narrative into an engaging educational experience.

Ready to Create Your Own Stories?

Discover how Storypie can help you create personalized, engaging stories that make a real difference in children's lives.

Try Storypie Free