Coffee and a Classic is a monthly book & beverage subscription box, curated by Ashlee Doherty. Ashlee’s mission is to create a complete escape each month for lovers of literature, providing a thought out and curated experience where readers can curl up with the book, a beverage, and other bookish items to retreat from everyday life.
There are two different subscription levels available.
- The STARTER BOX ($28 / month + shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip on, and 2 bookish items each month.
- The STANDARD BOX ($40 / month + shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip (your choice of coffee, tea, hot chocolate) & snack on, a bookmark, a coffee mug, and 1-2 bookish items based on a theme. This book box is also packaged in a high-quality photo box.
With each level of subscription, you can select from three genres: Classic Literature, Children’s Classics, and Classic Nonfiction.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is for the Starter Children’s Classics Box.
About Coffee and a Classic
The Subscription Box: Coffee and a Classic Starter Box (Children's Classics)
The Cost: $29.00 a month (you can save 5%-15% with longer pre-paid subscription) + shipping
The Products: A classic book, something to sip on, 2 bookish items + a bookmark
Ships to: the US only
Good to Know: Boxes ship between the 19th-23rd of each month. You can cancel your subscription at any time (recurring billing happens on the 1st of the month). Each month, a sneak peek is available and you can change genres if something catches your eye.
Coffee and a Classic February 2019 Starter Box Review
This month’s selection is The Jungle Book by Rudyyard Kipling
From Coffee & A Classic:
“Imagine growing up among wolves, being friends with a panther and a bear, and hunting the most fearsome animal in the wild – the man-killing tiger Shere Khan. Rudyyard Kipling portrays the exciting and adventurous jungle upbringing of Mowgli in this timeless classic.''
Like most subscriptions, the first item you see when you open the box is an info card detailing the products inside. The contents listed include the book itself, a package of hot chocolate, 2 bookish items, and a bookmark.
The Jungle Book by Rudyyard Kipling – Retail Value $17.99 (a mass market paperback version can be found here for $5.95)
From Amazon:
“First published in 1894 and 1895, The Jungle Books remain some of the most beloved tales of all time. Adored by readers of all ages, these classic stories spin the unforgettable story of Mowgli—a boy raised by a pack of wolves—as he learns indelible lessons about the laws of the jungle as well as the needs of the heart. Through Mowgli’s journey, readers also meet the tiger Shere Khan, who stalks man and beast alike, the rock python Kaa, who dispenses wisdom, and the aging wolf Akela, who struggles as his leadership of the pack is challenged. Set in India, Kipling’s great masterpiece is an allegory for Britain’s imperialism, filled with high adventure and extraordinary characters. The mythic tale of a boy looking for where he truly belongs—either with the man-pack of the village or the wolf-pack of the wild—The Jungle Books touch both our intellect and our emotions, while Kipling’s dazzling storytelling makes them the timeless archetype for popular tales to come.”
As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve never read this book before! I have seen Disney’s adaptation, but probably not for 30 years! I really enjoyed reading this story to my child. He loved the animals and the thought of a little boy growing up in the jungle with these beasts. Although at (almost) four years old, much of this was a bit over his head, I know this is something that will be on his bookshelf for a very long time. I can't wait to read it again to him when he's a bit older – as I quite enjoyed the read myself!
Exclusive! Color Changing Hot Chocolate from McStevens - Buy 5 lbs here for $35.00
Almost every month, we see a delicious McSteven’s hot cocoa! This month, this white chocolate hot cocoa started off as white as shown in the photo above and turned green when the water was added. I'm not sure how much was in the punch, but probably enough for about 3-4 servings depending on how much cocoa power you like to add to your cup. I've had their white chocolate mix before, and I'm a fan!
Suede Jungle Animal from Playscene - Buy a 12 piece set here for $24.75
I received the giraffe, although I’m guessing that you may have received a different version from the assortment since it’s generically listed as “animal” on the insert card. The little 5” tall giraffe is soft and filled with cotton. It’s a cute addition to the box, but probably not something that I will give to my son (there are so many stuffed animals in this house already!)… Instead, it’s more likely to get thrown into a baby shower gift, especially if I can find some cute giraffe clothes to go with the theme.
Framable Watercolor Illustration from Alice Wong (@fromlittlethingsCo on Etsy) – Retail Value $24.76
I think this is my favorite item this month – and certainly a beautiful, unique piece. This print comes securely packaged in a cardboard tube – and I was so pleased with the vivid illustration and high-quality paper and printing that was used. This would be an adorable framed piece of art in a child's room, a classroom or even a library. It seems to be about 8" x 10" so I'm sure I can make it work in a standard frame.
Exclusive! Wood Bookmark from Coffee and a Classic
This is one of my favorite bookmarks to date from this subscription. It’s made out of a thin piece of wood and features a scene from the book. It’s sturdy and simple, something that I know I can use for years to come!
Verdict: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the curation of this box is always top notch. Because of the exclusive items, I wasn’t able to really calculate value – but between the book, hot cocoa, and print I feel that this month, the value was delivered. This box cost me $37 ($29 + $8 shipping). This month was a winner as far as I’m concerned!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. Your first box will be the March selection.
Your box will ship between the 3rd Thursday and the 4th Monday of every month. Please order by the 15th of the month to get the current box.
Value Breakdown: At $37.00 ($29.00 + $8.00 shipping) for this box, you’re paying about $7.40 per item.
Check out all of our Coffee and a Classic reviews and the Book Subscription Box List!
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