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Stories made slowly, By
drawings & postsA collaborative storytelling project where children build stories together — one drawing at a time.
For children ages 4+ · By post · With parental consent
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Ways to Participate
Discover how you, your family, or your organization can be part of Compass to Wonder.
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Join a Story Circle
Children contribute drawings to a shared story that travels by post between participants.
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Schools & Classrooms
Teachers can participate with their class and contribute drawings as part of a collaborative story.
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Creative Partnerships
Libraries, museums, art spaces, hospitals and community groups can collaborate on story circles.
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Story Archive
Explore stories created by children through shared drawings — each one a unique journey.
CW-01
The rainbow that remembered
4 children contributed
Coming soon
CW-02
Sky Full of Animals
5 children contributed
Coming soon
CW-03
The Secret River
6 children contributed
Coming soon
The Idea
A Return to Tactile Wonder
In a world of constant screens, Compass to Wonder slows things down.
Compass to Wonder is a collaborative storytelling project created by children, for children.
Each story begins with a drawing. That drawing is mailed to a small group of children. Each child continues the story with their own drawing and sends it back. The story branches, grows in different directions, and is carefully reassembled into one shared narrative.
Compass to Wonder is a collaborative storytelling project created by children, for children.
Each story begins with a drawing. That drawing is mailed to a small group of children. Each child continues the story with their own drawing and sends it back. The story branches, grows in different directions, and is carefully reassembled into one shared narrative.
No screens. Just imagination, patience, and the anticipation of receiving something addressed to you.
The Process
How Stories Grow
1
The Beginning
A drawing starts the story and is mailed to a group of children.
2
The Branching and Growing
Each child continues the story through a drawing of their own and sends it back. Some drawings take the story in new directions. Others deepen the same path.
3
The Weaving
All responses are gathered. The different branches are thoughtfully reassembled into one collective narrative.
4
The Return
Each participating child receives the completed story: a printed compilation of every drawing created in that round.
Then, a new story begins.
The Origin
About Aaricia
Aaricia is five.
After moving into a new home with her parents, she became fascinated by the small ritual of receiving post, the sound of the doorbell, the quick rush to the mailbox, and the hopeful question: "Is there anything for me?"
Often, there weren't.
Aaricia loves to draw & write small notes to the people around her. Watching her, a simple thought began to form:
"What if children could connect with one another through drawings, even if they have never met?"
Compass to Wonder grew from that question.
Safety & Trust
For Parents
Compass to Wonder is designed with care.
Participation is optional and flexible
Children use first names only
No accounts, no logins, no screens for children
Stories are curated thoughtfully and respectfully
Families may opt out at any time
There is no expectation of artistic skill. Children contribute what they can, when they can.
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100% Screen Free
No apps, no logins. Just paper, pencils, and focus.
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Your family's privacy is protected
We only use addresses to send stories.
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Pause Anytime
Skip a month or cancel whenever you like. No questions asked.
Optional
Help This Story Travel
Compass to Wonder is a small, independent creative project and free to join.
If you would like to help cover printing, postage, and booklet assembly, you may make a one-time optional contribution per story cycle.
If you would like to help cover printing, postage, and booklet assembly, you may make a one-time optional contribution per story cycle.
Participation is never dependent on payment.
Every contribution helps the stories travel further.
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What You Receive
What Arrives in the Post
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The Invitation
Each story invitation includes:
An original drawing that begins the story
A short prompt card explaining how to continue
A unique story code
A return envelope
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The Return
Once complete, each child receives:
A printed compilation of the full story
Every drawing created in that round
A small acknowledgment of their contribution
Everything is sent by post. Slowly. Intentionally.
Reach
Language & Community
Based in the Netherlands, Compass to Wonder connects children locally and internationally.
Stories travel across cities and borders in English or Dutch. Imagination moves easily between languages.
Stories travel across cities and borders in English or Dutch. Imagination moves easily between languages.
The project grows slowly and intentionally, one small story circle at a time.
Would your child like to take part in a drawing story?
Join the next story circle and receive the first drawing by post.
Stories made slowly by children.
Personal information is used only for participation in story mailings and is never shared or published.
Social Link
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compasstowonder@gmail.com
© 2026 Compass to Wonder. All rights reserved.