Story-Maker
Labs
A unique and powerful approach to creative development - turning children into mini authors!
A full-circle
creative journey…
Story-Maker Labs are a screen-free creative workshop series where children imagine and build their own illustrated storybooks, from the very first idea to the final printed copy. Each session is designed to exercise imagination, focus, and confidence while cultivating creative vision: the ability to see possibilities, shape ideas, and bring something original into the world. By the end, each child walks away with a physical book that’s entirely their own — a powerful experience of creative ownership and the pride that comes from seeing an idea through to completion.
The Books
Each child’s story is transformed into a published and printed book, based entirely on their character, illustrations, and narrative. These books are not templates or fill-in-the-blanks; they are fully original creations, brought to life with care and attention. The final book is more than just a keepsake — it’s a tangible reminder of the child’s ideas, effort, and imagination. Holding their own published story in hand reinforces confidence, creative ownership, and the joy of making something real.
The Report
Alongside the finished book, each child receives a personalized creative report - a thoughtful reflection on their journey through the lab. The report highlights their unique strengths, creative progress, and emerging skills, while offering simple suggestions to continue nurturing their imagination at home or in the classroom. It’s not an assessment, but a celebration: a window into how the child thinks, creates, and expresses themselves when given the freedom to explore.
Story-Maker Format
Story-Maker Labs are small-group, high-focus sessions — typically limited to three participants per lab to ensure each child receives the attention, support, and creative space they need to thrive.
The format follows the structure below:
| Workshop | Focus | Core Activities | Target Skills | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Character Discovery | Introductions, creative warm-ups, and guided exercises to help each child begin imagining and visualizing their character. Participants create an initial version of their character. | Imaginative thinking, artistic expression | 60 minutes |
| 2 | Character Development | Expand and finalize their character. Visualization and collaborative creative exercises help the participant refine and describe their character with added detail and personality. | Descriptive language, artistic iteration | 60 minutes |
| 3 | Story Structure & Plot Building | Participants begin building their story using their character as the foundation. Through storytelling games and guided prompts, they explore setting, challenges, and basic plot structure, before drafting the first version of their narrative. | Narrative structure, collaborative creativity | 60 minutes |
| 4 | Story Expansion & Illustration | Participants expand and finalize their story. With support, they refine their narrative and illustrate key moments, deepening both the storyline and their connection to it. | Story development, visual storytelling | 60 minutes |
| 5 (presentation) | Celebration & Reflection | Children share their books with parents and friends. Each child receives their printed book and personalized report. The session presents a moment where all eyes are on their accomplishment, reinforcing confidence and pride in their accomplishment. | Verbal expression, confidence, accomplishment | 45 minutes |
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7 Years Old
Everything goes wrong when a diamond thief disrupts Flight 714
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6 Years Old
Super Bot and his magic butterflies need to dive to the depths of the ocean
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4 Years Old
A magical adventure about a bunny who discovers a mysterious fossil on the moon.
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6 Years Old
Remy will reach the moon, even if he needs to build his own rocket.
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“The Story-Maker Lab has been an absolutely wonderful experience for both our son and us parents! He got the book 10 days ago and since then it's been the book he wants to read before going to bed. We parents are also very proud of what he has created but what's even more important is to read in the parent report how he behaved and worked during the sessions. He just finished 1st grade and has never shown an interest in writing. A few days ago he suddenly picked up his pencil and started writing a story! Thank you so much!”
Charly. Como
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"This workshop was amazing in every way. My 6 year old, who usually doesn't focus for long on any activity, was so invested in this workshop and was asking me when was the next session as he couldn't wait. The experience unlocked lots of his creativity, which I didn't know he had. The parents' report that Dan gave us after was also very interesting to read focusing on specific findings from the workshop, not to mention the end result, which is a book he is so proud of and want to gift his friends & family. For us, it was really valuable overall in terms of my son's growth and focus. "
Ghida. Como
Interested in Story-Maker Labs?
Story-Maker Labs are currently offered in Ticino (Switzerland) and Como (Italy) through our local partners. We also have a pilot in South Africa coming soon.
We love working with schools, libraries, and organizations that share our passion for creativity and learning. Whether you're looking to host a Story-Maker Lab on-site, co-create a custom program, or explore creative education in a new format — we're open to thoughtful partnerships.
Whether you’re an individual or school, fill out the form below and we will get in touch ASAP!