What began as a simple storytelling routine between Kate and her son has blossomed into something far bigger than either of them imagined. Kate is thrilled to share the journey that she and 11-year-old Gabriel have been on, one that's now helping children across the UK rediscover the joy of storytelling and writing.

It all started during their everyday chats, when Gabriel would enthusiastically narrate stories aloud and Kate would jot them down. From sea monsters to phoenixes, his imagination had no bounds. Kate became, in his words, his "ghost writer", taking down every word, reading it back, and helping him shape his wild, wonderful ideas into what eventually became The Adventures of Gabriel.

As Kate typed up the final draft, Gabriel looked at the screen, beamed, and said, "It's a book. Mum it's a real book."

That moment was magic, and it marked the birth of what they later named StoryQuest.

What Is StoryQuest?

StoryQuest is a creative storytelling method where a child shares a story aloud—usually centered around a hero, and someone else listens, writes it down, and helps develop it into a complete narrative. It's not just about writing; it's about expressing, dreaming, and creating together.

Since trademarking the method, Kate has been leading workshops and sessions with schools and learning groups across the country. Watching children light up as they narrate their stories has been the most rewarding part of this entire journey.

Bringing Joy to the Classroom

Thomas Hirst, a teacher at Dixon's Manningham Primary School in Bradford, has seen firsthand the transformation StoryQuest can inspire in children. Speaking to the BBC, he said:

"A lot of boys and girls have a fear of the blank page... you can do all of the teaching, but they sort of shut down when asked to write a story."

With StoryQuest, the fear disappears.

"It was a really lovely experience to see them really joyful, talking about their stories—they loved it," Mr. Hirst shared. He's now made StoryQuest a regular part of his Year 6 curriculum.

Empowering Children to Find Their Voice

Gabriel is especially proud of how his storytelling has sparked something in others. As Kate told the BBC:

"He's enjoying other children collectively taking on literacy and writing for each other."

For Kate, it's been about more than just literacy. StoryQuest is helping children build confidence, emotional expression, and a sense of creative agency.

"He just began narrating and I scribbled notes and asked him to tell me more," Kate explained in the article. "I then read it back to him and he would feedback his edits."

Together, they turned their kitchen-table ritual into something that now touches classrooms and children's lives far beyond their own.

The Next Chapter

Kate and Gabriel continue to lead StoryQuest sessions, meet incredible students and teachers, and spread a little more imagination wherever they go.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves a good story, remember: storytelling can unlock something profound in a child.

Sometimes, all it takes is listening.

Bring StoryQuest to Your School

Discover how this creative storytelling method is helping children overcome blank-page fear and find joy in writing.

Learn more: my-storyquest.com

Explore Gabriel's Books

Read the stories that started this journey and inspired children across the UK.

theadventuresofgabriel.com

"It's a book. Mum, it's a real book." — Gabriel Khan