Stories and Reviews

“Here is a pack of cards for you—each one a tantalising path into a place worth exploring. Shuffle through them slowly, or spread them out around you. So many doors asking to be knocked on!

Light a bonfire in your listener’s imagination, listen in return, and be reminded of something else worth telling and retelling. You’ll find laughter you’ve forgotten and tears you haven’t shed.

Pick out another card and see where it takes you.”
— Cate Kennedy, award-winning author

“I’m a secondary school English teacher in a tough Western suburb of Sydney, and engaging students—especially in writing—can be a real challenge.

At the end of last term, I introduced the Storycatching cards to my VCE English class, and the response genuinely surprised me. Stories began to flow naturally, and students produced honest, free-flowing prose inspired by the cards they chose.

One of my quieter students wrote a deeply moving piece sparked by the ‘Where am I?’ card. The double session flew by, and I’m already planning to bring the cards back in Term 3.

Thank you for creating such an accessible and inspiring resource.”
— Maria Adamson, Camden NSW

“I recently came across an Innovative Resources product in the most unexpected way—and it turned into an unforgettable experience.

At a friend’s 50th birthday party, the host brought out a set of Storycatching cards and invited guests to choose one that reminded them of a story about the guest of honour.

More than a dozen people sat around the table, and everyone shared a story. There was laughter, a few tears, and a deep sense of connection. Even after the formalities ended, people kept using the cards to share more memories.

I now keep a set of Storycatching cards in my kitchen drawer—and I wouldn’t be surprised if others from that night do too. I’m looking forward to exploring more of your cards.”**
— Gail Shepherd, North Balwyn, Victoria

“My wife recently bought a set of Storycatching cards to use with her Year 8 English class, and I was so impressed I borrowed them for work—before she even had a chance to try them herself!

We were interviewing candidates for three new roles on our local council, and I wanted to try something different. I laid out a selection of cards and asked each applicant to choose one that reminded them of a funny, stressful, or unusual situation from a previous workplace—and then explain how they handled it.

The results were fascinating. Two candidates relaxed and opened up, while one was completely thrown by the unexpected approach. It shifted the dynamic in the room and gave us a fresh perspective from an HR standpoint.

I’m already thinking about using the cards in our next round of interviews… if I can convince my wife to let me borrow them again!”
— Chris Francis, HR Manager, Newcastle NSW

“I wanted to share a fun and engaging activity I did with my Year 7 home group using Storycatching cards.

We shuffled two packs and spread them out on the floor to play ‘memory’. Each time a student matched a pair, they shared a story with the group based on the card. We also tried playing ‘snap’—and both games got the students talking and sharing in ways I hadn’t seen before.

It was a fantastic way to build connection and confidence. I’ll definitely be using the cards again at our Year 7 camp—they’ll make a great ice-breaker.

Thanks for such a versatile and inspiring resource!”
— Rebecca Lewin, Secondary Teacher, Ashbury NSW