If you’ve ever wondered how to make learning a new language fun for children, this review might give you the answer. One Third Stories is a clever subscription box designed to help kids learn Spanish or French through storytelling, audiobooks, and interactive play.

In this review, I’ll share exactly what’s inside, how it works, and what my children thought after trying it out — along with my honest opinion on whether it’s worth it.

Why the UK needs a language shake-up 

If there’s one thing I’ve always thought was missing in our education system, it’s consistent foreign language teaching. So many European countries begin introducing English to children the moment they start school. That early exposure makes such a difference. It’s so much easier for little ones to absorb a new language when they’re young. The older we get, the trickier it seems to become. 

It’s an obvious move for non-English-speaking countries to prioritise English — after all, it’s the third most spoken language in the world. But did you know Spanish actually ranks second and has more native speakers than English? Most people assume English tops the list, but it’s actually Chinese! 

So why doesn’t the UK do more to encourage early language learning?

If we started teaching Spanish or another major language from the start of primary school, children would have such a head start. I honestly wish I’d learned a second language from a young age. By the time I reached senior school, the lessons felt rushed, inconsistent and… a bit too late.

At junior school, I remember learning French around age ten. But as soon as I started senior school, we switched to German. All the French vocabulary I’d just learned vanished almost instantly. There seemed to be no coordination between schools, no continuation. 

By my second year of senior school, I was doing quite well in German and was offered extra lessons in French. I gave it a go but struggled to grasp much. It just felt too complicated at that age. And with only a couple of hours a week for languages, it never really stuck. 

As an adult, I can only really speak English. I can manage a few basic German phrases, but that’s about it. When Ben’s family in Germany try chatting with me, I can say hello, order food, or ask for a drink — but full conversation? Not a chance.

So yes, the UK could definitely use a rethink when it comes to language education. We should be introducing one language early and building on it consistently throughout.

Why I was so excited to try One Third Stories

Because of all this, when I was invited to review One Third Stories, I jumped at the chance. It felt like the perfect way to help our kids start learning a new language while they’re still young — something I wish I’d had. 

One Third Stories is a foreign language subscription box designed especially for children. Each month, you receive a beautifully illustrated storybook that starts in English and gradually introduces another language — either Spanish or French. We chose Spanish, as we were planning a family trip to a Spanish island later that year. It felt like the perfect opportunity for Bella to learn how to say a few words like hello, thank you, and goodbye. 

And who knows, maybe me and Ben would pick up a few words too!

From Dragons’ Den to our doorstep

You might have seen One Third Stories on Dragons’ Den. I actually received the first three subscription boxes just before their episode aired, which made it even more exciting to watch. Seeing the founders pitch their business, share their passion and explain their mission made me root for them even more.

They didn’t end up taking Peter Jones’ offer in the end, but honestly, just being on the show was incredible publicity. And after trying the product myself, I could see why they had the confidence to stand on their own.

Why storytelling makes language learning fun 

Let’s be honest — learning a language at school can be boring. Endless lists of verbs, awkward pronunciation tests, and not much real-world context. That’s what makes One Third Stories different.

They’ve taken a playful, imaginative approach that feels more like storytime than studying. Kids get excited to open their bright yellow box each month, not just because of the storybook but because it’s filled with games, flashcards, cut-outs and an activity booklet that ties everything together.

Each book uses their clever “Clockwork Methodology.” The story begins in English and, little by little, Spanish or French words are introduced in ways that make their meaning obvious. By the end, your child is reading a mix of both languages without even realising how much they’ve picked up.

We started with Spanish, and it felt natural from the very first page.

Our first impressions of the boxes 

The first three books we received were ‘How the Dinosaur Got His Shoes,’ ‘Little Monster,’ and ‘Wilma the Whale.’ As soon as I opened the box, I was struck by how high-quality everything was. The books were colourful, beautifully printed and sturdy — you could tell real care went into making them. 

Reuben, who’s absolutely dinosaur-obsessed, immediately claimed the dinosaur book for himself. Bella’s eyes lit up when she saw the bright yellow packaging and all the little extras tucked inside.

We started by listening to the audiobook together — something One Third Stories includes each month. The stories are narrated by native speakers, which helps with pronunciation. I recommend following along in the book while listening. Then, once you’ve got a feel for how the words sound, you can try reading aloud yourself.

Bella found it hilarious hearing the dinosaur get different shoes, and before long, she’d worked out which words meant thank you, hello, and the numbers. It was so sweet watching her pick it up so naturally.

Learning together through stories 

After we finished the story, we looked through the glossary together, repeating words to help them sink in. The included flashcards were brilliant for quick practice — especially for short bursts before dinner or bedtime. 

Then came the activity pack, which was probably Bella’s favourite part. She’s a huge fan of anything that involves writing, colouring, puzzles or getting an answer right. The activities tied in perfectly with the book and gave her another way to use her new Spanish words in context. 

Honestly, even I was learning alongside her. I never thought I’d find myself confidently saying colours or greetings in Spanish, but here I was repeating after the audiobook and actually remembering things.

What makes One Third Stories special 

The subscription isn’t just another workbook — it’s a whole experience designed to make language learning a shared, joyful activity.

If your child already learns a second language at school, these boxes are a great supplement. And if they’re new to it entirely, they’re a gentle way to start. The audiobooks make pronunciation much easier, and the stories themselves are imaginative enough to hold a child’s attention from start to finish. 

I did find the end-of-story activities in the audio a bit advanced for beginners — they asked us to repeat full sentences, which was tricky at first. It might be better to start with single words to build confidence. But that’s a small thing compared to how engaging the whole package is. 

The stories have such heart and creativity that they feel less like a lesson and more like an adventure.

Why I recommend One Third Stories 

Language learning shouldn’t feel like homework. It should feel exciting, a way to explore new worlds and cultures. One Third Stories captures that spirit perfectly.

I love how it brings the whole family together — we read, listen and laugh along as we learn. For Bella and Reuben, it doesn’t feel like they’re studying; it feels like they’re part of a story.

And for parents like me, who always wished they’d learned another language properly, it’s the perfect second chance.

If you want to encourage your child to learn Spanish or French in a fun, creative way, One Third Stories is a wonderful place to start. 

To find out more, visit One Third Stories and if you sign up, use LYLIAROSE10 for 10% off your first subscription.