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 November 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.
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon - Retail Value $14.99 (found here for $13.89)
This was a really fun, easy read! Dory longs to play with her older brother and sister, but since they have deemed her a baby, they never let her play with them. Dory has quite the personality - she is very quirky and imaginative and asks a lot of questions, but no one seems to respond except her imaginary friend, Mary. One day her brother and sister get annoyed with her acting like a baby and trick her into thinking there is a monster named Mrs. Gobble Cracker after her. This leads to Dory imagining all sorts of people and scenarios, such as that her fairy godmother Mr. Nuggy has turned into a dog so that can escape Mrs. Gobble Cracker who only steals babies. Dory seems to cause a lot of trouble with her lively imaginings, but when her brother and sister need her help, they finally realize she is old enough to play with them.
This actually held the attention of my two-year-old since it was so entertaining! It also features some illustrations and a lot of speaking bubbles that made it interesting. It looks like this is a series so we might just have to check out some more stories about Dory!
Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger - Retail Value $16.95 (found here for $10.48)
This story is told to you as though you are a familiar friend who is being let in on a secret. It's enticing and captivating as you learn all about Smugwick Manor and those who live there. It all begins when the Lady of the house asks that her corset not be drawn so tight one day and from there, everyone can sense there is a sort of "looseness" to the normal order and rules of the Manor. Then Lady Luggertuck does the unthinkable and agrees to host her nephew and even throw a ball so that he might have a chance at courting Miss Sylvan-Smythe, who is staying next door to them. While the Luggertuck's live comfortably, there is a team of servants and workers who are not quite as at ease in the manor. One of these is Horton Halfpott, a pitiful boy that always follows the rules and works very hard just to turn a penny over to his family on the other side of the town in hopes that he can get help for his ill father. Poor Horton becomes the target of the Luggerton's awful son, Luther, after he is spotted talking to the Sylvan-Smythe girl, whom Luther has decided to pursue despite his cousin's interest in courting her. Things really begin to get shaken up when several of the Luggertuck's prized possessions go missing, including their famous diamond "lump" and a big, fat detective is sent to work on the case.
This book is whimsical and full of fun characters that younger kids will enjoy. There is also a lot for adults to enjoy as well which makes this the perfect chapter book to read with your child!
Verdict: The books in our Bookroo Chapter Book Box were fun reads this month. The characters in each book were certainly interesting and lively which would make them both great contenders for a family read-aloud. I really found myself enjoying Horton Halfpott and while it didn't read like an adult novel, I still felt like it was an appropriate read for someone my age, which I think makes it a rare find! The retail value of the books was $31.94 which is just over the cost of $24.95 for the box ($19.95 a month + $5 shipping). While it's even less with sale prices, I still think there is some value in both the parent guide and in having someone curate this great collection for us.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the December 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:
- Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon: $11.71
- Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger: $13.24
Read all of our Bookroo reviews and check out our Kids Subscription Box Directory for other fun boxes your child might enjoy!
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What do you think of this month’s Bookroo?
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