Little Feminist Book Club is a monthly book subscription box for kids ages newborn to nine years old. Each month you will receive one to two books selected to help diversify your bookshelf for $22.95 per month + $3.95 flat rate shipping. Plus, you will also receive hands-on activities and tools to help your book come to life. Subscriptions are offered for ages 0-2, 2-4, 4-7, and 7-9. From Little Feminist:
Only 31% of children's books feature a female character, and only 13% feature a person of color.
This review is of the Book Club for ages 4-7 years.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
1 of 3
Little Feminist Book Club items come in a distinctive cardboard holder with drawings on it. In addition to the book(s), Little Feminist includes an introduction to the book (which has an activity on the reverse side – see below) and a bookmark with thought-provoking questions.
What's Inside The Box
When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby - Retail Value $18.99
1 of 9
This book tells the story of Ojiig, a young Native American boy who moves to the city with his family. He misses his old home, his grandparents, and most of all the stars in the sky, which he can no longer see. His parents try to help by finding star-like things for his room, but nothing feels right, until one day his mom asks him to help with a project. Together they make a traditional quilt. Each piece reminds his mom of a story, which she tells Ojiig. The story of their family's history is woven into the beautiful quilt, which features a big star. He feels at home, surrounded by the stories of his ancestors.
My daughter did not connect with this book. I think it was because we don't have the beautiful history that some people have and she can't imagine moving to a city away from home. But we do have a store-bought blanket that has a similar design as the one in the story. We spent a little bit of time pointing to a shape and saying "this one is for the time (that silly thing happened)." So that was a fun exercise, even if it wasn't deeply meaningful. I liked that the book had a pronunciation key in the back. I've read enough of these books to know it's usually smart to start with the back of the book first. It makes reading new words smoother.
From Hachette Book Group:
How does a strange new place become home? Here is a heartwarming look at how the comfort of tradition and story can create a true sense of belonging.
When Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky. Without the stars watching over him, he feels lost. His parents try to help, but nothing seems to work. Not glow-in-the-dark sticker stars, not a star-shaped nightlight. But then they have a new idea for how to make Ojiig feel better — a special quilt stitched through with family stories that will wrap Ojiig in the warmth of knowing who he is and where he came from. Join this irresistible family as they discover the power of story and tradition to make a new place feel like home.
What Do You Think Card
1 of 2
Each book comes with a "What Do You Think" card that provides questions that you can ask your little reader about the book. I like the way they help you ask direct, thoughtful questions– something that might actually get a real answer rather than "It was good" or "I liked it."
Little Feminist In Action
This month's activity asks your child to color, design, and assemble a star quilt. My daughter immediately said, "We can just color the star." I told her that wasn't the point and then she did it anyway. I do think she would be into making a large design, but only if I cut out and color all the diamonds.
The Verdict
This was a book I ended up liking more than my daughter. She didn't really connect with either part of the story, but I liked the idea of a quilt telling the story of your family's history and using it to feel like home after you've been removed from your comfort zone. Not every installment from Little Feminist Book Club is going to hit home with your child, but I like the positive, meaningful messages in every book we receive. I'm thankful my kiddo still gets excited to read when she sees the box in the mail.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
Subscribers – current or future – will have to be understanding of the fact that Little Feminist Book Club is not a subscription that saves you money. The cost of the sub will always be a little more than the book itself. This subscription's true value is the quality of the books and the complementary paperwork, which is carefully chosen and sent to your front door. If you are focused on dollar amounts, this subscription may not be for you. The monthly subscription costs $26 (including shipping). This book retails for about $19. That is a $7 difference.
One thing to note: Little Feminist offers four ways to purchase: monthly, three months, six months, and 12 months. They cost $22.95, $21.95, $19.95, and $18.95, respectively. Shipping is $3.95. So if you were certain you'd like this subscription for a year, it would be $4 cheaper per month and much closer to the book's retail value.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You have to order before the 25th to receive that month’s selection. From Little Feminist:
Once you purchase a book subscription, your first box will be shipped within a week. From then on, your book box will be sent the first week of every month.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist.
Do you subscribe to Little Feminist Book Club Box? Comment below with what you thought.
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.