Talking to each other is a wonderful thing! It gives us a chance to share perspectives and experiences and helps bring us closer together.

You might have discovered, however, that it can be hard to find new things to talk about when you have been together for a long time, like in the past few months during lockdown or sometimes on a rainy holiday somewhere. That can happen when we can’t go out and do new things and spend a lot of time with each other in the same environment!

But why not make the most of these times and talk about things that matter and find out what everyone thinks about new topics. When it comes to conversation-starters, it’s hard to beat a good story. Here are some ideas from our past issues to start some great conversations. 

Away Game! (Storytime #78) is a fun story about three boys who accidentally travel back in time to the Middle Ages – and play a pick-up game of football! They go back in time on the same village they live in – and can recognise some parts of it but are also surprised by other the aspects they did not know. After reading this tale, why not discuss the history of your neighbourhood, and what life would have been like there 50 (or 500!) years ago? Are there any buildings, landmarks or that date back hundreds of years and give an insight into its history? For extra fun, look for old photographs of your area. Which bits are still the same, and which have changed beyond all recognition? 

Not a Robot (Storytime #53) stars a robot who is activated after a power cut – and is found to have a personality of his own! This story could start a discussion about the roles that smart machines are having in our day-to-day lives! We don’t yet robots walking down the streets (yet!), but ‘smart’ programmes are responding to our voice commands and helping us to pick which online videos to watch. Researchers are developing programmes to drive our vehicles and pilot flying delivery drones – and what will happen after that?

Mr Luck and Mrs Luck (Storytime #57) is a classic fable about the two characters of the title. As you might have guessed, Mr Luck relies on fortune, while Mrs. Luck puts in hard work. Why not read it and then have a chat about which is more important if you want to achieve things? Here at Storytime, we believe that luck can have an effect on our lives – but pluck is far more important in the long run!

Mulan (Storytime #67) is a very old story – but it is still relevant to us today. Mulan was a girl who wanted to help her family, even if it meant going off to war in disguise! This is a great tale to begin a conversation about what women have achieved in their fight for more career opportunities – and the challenges they still face.

Why Whales Swim in the Sea (Storytime #23) is set in a place that few people have heard of – and even fewer people have visited! It’s a legend from Patagonia – a beautiful but desolate area at the southern end of South America. Stories like this one are fun to read, but they also teach us things about distant parts of the world, as well as the people and animals that live there. Reading a story set in a distant place with someone is a great way to go on an imaginative journey together. After reading it, discuss what you learned about the story’s setting, look at the map to spot some new places and even wonder what animals live there now! 

We hope you enjoy sharing a cup of tea and a good talk with the ones you love! Can you think of a story that you have read which sparked an interesting conversation? If so, let us know about it. Share it with us and other readers by clicking on the link below!