Reading Bug Box is a monthly, personalized children’s book subscription from The Reading Bug, an independent children’s bookstore. They offer three subscription options: The Baby Bug Box that includes 3 board books for ages 0-3, The Reading Bug Box that includes 2-3 books, plus extra gift items, for ages 0-13 and The Reading Bug for 2 Box that includes 4-6 books, plus extra gift items for two children ages 0-13 that live at the same address.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is of the Reading Bug Box for 2, $49.99 a month, box.
The Subscription Box: Reading Bug Box
The Cost: $19.99 a month for the Baby Bug Box, $29.99 a month for the Reading Bug Box and $49.99 a month for the Reading Bug for 2 Box (discounted for longer subscription commitments) plus $3.50 shipping.
The Products: 3 board books in the Baby Bug Box or 2-3 books plus gift items in the Reading Bug Box and 4-6 books plus gift items in the Reading Bug for 2 Box. All books are a personalized selection based on the age and interests of the child.
Ships to: US and Hong Kong
Check out all of our Reading Bug Box reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory for other fun boxes your child might enjoy!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
A welcome note was included since this is my first Reading Bug Box. It reminded me to update my account as my children grow and their interests change. Since this box is personalized based on the survey questions you complete my box may look very different from yours.
Our Reading Bug Box this month was hand-picked by Lauren. Included on the card were some acts of kindness you can try with your children. There was also an online link to see a list of books with the theme of kindness and a coupon to save 15% on your next order at The Reading Bug bookstore’s website.
The Adventures of Caveboy by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen - Retail Value $9.99 (found on sale here for $7.40)
This was a nice chapter for my son who is just starting to transition into something a bit longer. It was three chapters and had full-color illustrations. I liked the storyline about Caveboy looking for a new club and becoming friends with a cave girl. I think it’s important at this age when boys prefer to play with other boys to be reminded that it’s great to have friends that are girls too.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein - Retail Value $7.99 (found on sale here for $7.58)
Interrupting Chicken is a Caldecott Honor book for its wonderful illustrations. Little red chicken drives her papa crazy with her incessant interrupting as he tries to tell her a bedtime story. This book makes us crack up and is one of the most requested to hear at bedtime.
Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen - Retail Value $16.99 (found on sale here for $13.59)
We love all books by Chris Van Dusen! We checked this out from our local public library this summer and enjoyed the story of a girl named Hattie who goes out in her canoe and discovers a big lake monster named Hudson. Now we own our own copy and are happy to be able to read it again and again.
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen - Retail Value $6.99 (found on sale here for $5.94)
Another book by Chris Van Dusen, yay! Van Dusen has a few stories about Mr. Magee and they are all funny, with his bold and bright illustrations. This rhyming book is about Mr. Magee taking his dog Dee out on a boat trip and getting blown up into the air by the blowhole of a whale. Silly and fun, Van Dusen’s book always shows great imagination.
Remy Sneakers vs. the Robo-Rats by Kevin Sherry - Retail Value $9.99 (found on sale here for $8.97)
This funny book about a raccoon named Remy is a chapter book/graphic novel crossover like the popular Captain Underpants and Big Nate series. My son laughed a ton while we read this together. It was fast-paced and filled with adventure.
Make Your Own Golden Book with Stickers - Retail Value $5.00?
These cute little mini blank books can be turned into your very own storybooks. They sent two books and two sheets of stickers. I love the idea of each of my kids making their own keepsake story. There are some packaged Make Your Own Golden Book kits with markers, crayons, and stickers, but this wasn’t a full kit so I’m estimating the value to be around $5.00.
Faber-Castell Beeswax Jumbo Crayons - Retail Value $1.00?
We love all art supplies made by Faber-Castell. These crayons are thick and easy to grasp for little fingers with a good amount of pigmentation. I don’t see these mini packs for sale so I’m estimating the price.
Meet Zoe Sticker Sheet – BONUS
These cute stickers remind me of paper dolls where you can dress Zoe, however, with the different outfits and accessories. They appear to be a promotional item from Scholastic promoting the book titled Zoe Gets Ready so I’m not assigning a monetary item to this item. I wish the book had come along with the stickers, it looks cute!
Tattoos – BONUS
There were two “I Dig Reading” and two “Reading Bug Box” temporary tattoos included as a bonus. My kids love temporary tattoos so these were fun to see.
Verdict: We loved our first Reading Bug for 2 Box! There were a lot of items inside for both kids to share and I felt that they really took my survey answers into consideration when packing our box. The retail value of this month’s box was about $58 (less with sale prices) which is above the cost of the box ($49.99 a month + $3.50 shipping). I think this subscription is a great way to bring children’s literature into your home that is hand-selected to your children’s interests and ages. If you’re a parent who isn’t sure which books to pick out for your kids but wants to encourage reading this would make a great purchase or gift. We are definitely looking forward to our next box and discovering new titles to devour!
What do you think of Reading Bug Box?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.