A blank page can be intimidating, but a great first sentence can unlock a world of possibilities. Here are five of our favorite story starters to get you and your little one creating in no time!

1. The Mysterious Key: "While digging in the garden, Leo found a small, rusty key. It didn't fit any door in his house, but it did fit a tiny, hidden door he'd never noticed before in the trunk of the old oak tree..."
2. The Animal Mix-Up: "One morning, a penguin showed up on Maya's doorstep. The penguin was holding a suitcase and a map, and seemed to think Maya's bathtub was the express train to the South Pole."
3. The Magical Object: "Sam bought a plain-looking crayon at a garage sale, but when he started to draw with it, everything he drew came to life right off the page!"
4. The Secret Power: "For her seventh birthday, Chloe didn't get a bike or a new toy. Instead, she woke up with the ability to talk to squirrels. And the squirrels had a very important, and very nutty, problem they needed her help with."
5. The World Next Door: "Every night, a new door appeared in Alex's bedroom closet. Tonight, the door was bright blue and smelled like popcorn. Alex took a deep breath, turned the handle, and stepped through..."