Bookroo is a subscription service that sends books for children every month. They have a board book plan (for ages 0-2.5), a picture book plan (for ages 2.5-6) and a chapter book plan (for ages 7-10).
This review is of the Chapter Book, $24.95 a month, box.
Bookroo sends the books individually wrapped and tied with string. It makes it feel just a little bit more special!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Bookroo
The Subscription Box: Bookroo
The Cost: $24.95 a month + shipping (rates become cheaper for longer commitments)
The Products: 2 books for ages 7-10
Ships to: the US for $5, Canada for $16, and Worldwide for an additional shipping charge
Bookroo Chapter Box September 2018 Review
Bookroo always includes an insert that gives a brief description of each book. At the bottom, there is also a link where you can go and test your knowledge of the books by taking an accompanying quiz. On the back is a parent’s guide that briefly summarizes the book and provides talking points to encourage discussion. I think this is great, especially if you don’t have the time to read the book on your own. This month they also warned that there was some violence in one of the books, which is good to know for parents.
The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin - Retail Value $12.99 (found here for $11.04)
This book featured a gang of no-nonsense chickens who take matters into their own hands when a silly squirrel warns them of something big and scary in the yard. These chicken detectives are determined to get to the bottom of it. This book took me about 15 minutes to read with the large text and simple subject matter. It was a fun, silly book and was much like a picture book, but just a bit longer and with fewer pictures. There were many illustrations throughout and I think that kids will enjoy this one as they try to figure out what it could be in the yard.
Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce - Retail Value $17.99 (found here for $12.59)
This is much wider than a normal chapter book and the pages are glossy and look aged with the hint of sepia tone to them. This story is beautifully written and accompanied by equally beautiful, yet somewhat haunting illustrations. The beginning introduces us to Billy who has just been born and has a small hole in his heart. The way that Joyce writes about the experience is so moving and from such an innocent perspective.
"So as they sat at the hospital, waiting, waiting, waiting to hear any news, Billy's parents were in a quiet, fearful agony of not knowing. When kids are afraid they hide under the covers, or cry, or scream, "I'm scared!" But grown-ups sit very still and try to act like everything is okay- even if they feel like hiding or crying or screaming, they usually will not. This is a grown-up thing called "coping," which is just a polite way of saying they are terrified."
Billy's mother's way of "coping" is to sew him a toy. She includes a scrap of fabric and a tiny bell that came from a toy she had when she was a child and uses it to make a heart inside the chest of the toy. The description of this is so sentimental and touching and it then transitions into details of the incredible bond between Billy and this toy named Ollie. The story is told from the perspective of the toys and Joyce creates such a strong, emotional backstory for these characters that readers can't help but empathize with them. You even begin to understand why Zozo, our toy antagonist, has sunk down into "darkness" and why he builds an army of Creeps to kidnap Ollie just because he is a "favorite" toy. This is when the "a-venture" begins as Ollie and Billy try to make their way back to one another.
Verdict: I enjoyed this month's Bookroo Chapter Book Box a lot. The chicken story was just silly and fun, while Ollie's Odyssey was so unique and imaginative. I like that the books they include are very different from one another, one was a quick and easy read, while the other was a bit more in depth. This is a really fun subscription for children and as a parent, I appreciate that these are kid- friendly and have been approved by a panel of parents beforehand. I also liked that they warned us of some violence in the parent guide that they provided. The retail value of the books was $30.98 which is just over the cost of $24.95 for the box ($19.95 a month + $5 shipping). If you take into consideration the sale prices, then it might not seem like the value is there, however, I enjoyed Ollie's Odyssey so much that it was definitely worth it to me to have someone curate this box for me. I also think there is some value in the parent guide and quiz that they provide.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the October box.
From Bookroo:
When will your first box ship? - Order the 1st-4th of the month: The weekend following your purchase - Order the 5th - 14th of the month: With our monthly batch the 17th-21st of the month - Order the 15th-31st of month: The weekend following your purchase. All subsequent boxes will ship with our monthly batch the 17th - 21st of the month.
Coupon – Use code MSA15 to save 15% off your first Bookroo Board or Picture Book box!
Value Breakdown: At $24.95 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately for each book:
- The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin: $10.46
- Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce: $14.49
Read all of our Bookroo reviews and check out our 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!
What do you think of this month’s Bookroo?
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.