Frequently Asked Questions
Content
What is The Lost Letters?
The Lost Letters is an immersive historical story experience for kids that is told through a series of letters and objects. The project helps kids imagine that letters have been lost in the post for a lifetime, and have finally arrived at their address. They get to be the ones to open a letter from the past!
History can be dry and dull for kids – but it needn't be! The Lost Letters shares real historical research with children in a fun and engaging way.
What age is The Lost Letters for?
The Lost Letters stories can be read with an adult at any age, but they are perfect for readers aged 8–13. Please note that the envelopes can contain small parts that may pose a choking hazard for children aged 3 years and under.
What is included in the letters?
Along with an exciting adventure story, each letter is illustrated by the letter’s young author to highlight scenes from the story. Each envelope includes at least one historical souvenir. These include things like maps, postcards, photographs, and metal medallions. Readers collect the souvenirs and use these as clues to a big mystery – all is revealed in the final letter!
Do I have to reside in the city that the story is about?
No, the stories are designed to be read by kids everywhere. Children reading a Lost Letters story that features their own city might feel a deeper connection with events, but all stories can be enjoyed by readers around Australia.
Are the letters written by hand?
The letters are printed in a handwriting-style font that has been chosen for historical authenticity and legibility. Some children may struggle with reading cursive, but this skill can be built with practice and a little parental guidance.
Reading and writing cursive is an important skill in historical discovery, and is sadly a dying art. This is why we think it’s important that kids have a chance to learn to read handwriting – they might become the great historians of the future!
Are the stories family-friendly?
Yes! All our stories are family-friendly and safe for all ears. The content contains action and adventure, but nothing inappropriate.
The Lost Letters make excellent bedtime reading with an adult.
Are the stories real?
The Lost Letters stories are fiction; however, they are based on real historical research. This means that the main character will encounter events, objects, people and situations that are authentic to their time period. All souvenirs and ephemera that come in the envelopes, such as photographs, travel tickets, postcards and maps, are genuine historical reproductions (with some fun embellishments!) and contain real historical information. This introduces kids to historical inquiry, and sparks a passion for further research to uncover the past.
What if my child doesn’t understand historical details in the story?
Because The Lost Letters are meant to be historically authentic, the main character uses many words that would have been normal in their era. Some examples include ‘commode’, ‘steerage’, ‘cable tram’, and ‘Pa and Ma’. Because these words may be unfamiliar to children, we have created an online Story Glossary here. This glossary is frequently updated with new words that might be tricky for young readers, as well as some further information on real historical events and people who appear in the story.
If there are words or items we haven’t included, get in touch and let us know!
Mailing
When will I receive my letters?
Letters are mailed out fortnightly, on the 14th and 28th of each month, or the next business day in the case of holidays and weekends. Your first letter will be mailed out on the next mailing date after payment has processed.
Letters are mailed using the standard Australia Post letter service. Delivery times are up to 7 days from postal date, depending on Australia Post. If you have not received your letter beyond this time frame, please get in touch.
What are the shipping rates?
There is a shipping charge of $9 for all letter sets. This will be added when you check out and covers post for the whole series of 6 letters.
Do you offer international shipping?
We only ship within Australia.
What happens if mail delays mean the posted letters don’t arrive in the right order?
While the letters will be posted on a regular fortnightly schedule, unforeseen events are always possible! That is why we have numbered each envelope in the top left-hand corner. If your letter number 4 arrives before letter number 3, simply save letter 4 and open it after you’ve received and read letter 3.
Gifting
I want to purchase The Lost Letters as a gift. Do you have a gift note I can print?
Yes! We have a specially designed gift note that you can download and print here.
School orders
Can I use The Lost Letters in my classroom?
Yes! The Lost Letters was designed for one household, but they can also be ordered for classrooms. The Lost Letters promote reading, problem solving, imagination and historical inquiry to support the Australian Curriculum. Click here for more information.
Please send questions to thelostlettersau@gmail.com