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
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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
Little Thief! Chota Chor! by Vijaya Bodach - Retail Value $7.95
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This book tells the story of a little girl awoken in the night to find her window wide open. She suspects a thief, but doesn't find anything awry. That is until finds her sparkly skirt is missing. Other things are indeed missing – all shiny. At first she is scared, but then worries that perhaps another girl like her is the thief and that girl is cold and hungry. She goes outside looking for the girl/thief and finds some of her things beneath a tree. And up in that tree is a rascally monkey. At first she is worried she will never get her stuff back, but has the bright idea to get a banana and trade the monkey. Her idea works and everyone is friends in the end.
This plot was actually very funny to my daughter and me, because we had just played a video game the day before and – I kid you not – part of that game was trading a monkey a banana for something shiny that you need. A very strange coincidence. Aside from that, I actually found this story rather pointless. The only remotely interesting thing was that the girl was worried the thief may be a child that needs help. That was thoughtful.
From the author's website:
How does a strange new place become home? Here is a heartwarming look at how the comfort of Little Thief! Chota Chor!: When a strange noise awakens Anjali, she discovers items missing from her home. Who could the thief be? As the neighbors join in the search, Anjali discovers the surprising truth—a little thief (a chota chor) unlike anyone expected. How will she convince this banana-eating thief to return her stolen things?
My Day With Gong Gong by Sennah Ree - Retail Value $9.99
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This book tells the story of May, who is spending the day with her Gong Gong. That is her grandfather on her mother's side in Chinese. Gong Gong doesn't speak English and may doesn't speak Chinese, so as they walk around Chinatown there isn't much communicating going on. May is frustrated that GG is moving slow and chatting with his friends, who seem to be laughing at her. She's bored and hungry and GG doesn't seem to care. But when she finally reaches her crying point, GG pulls out some food and a gift to show he's been more attentive than May realizes. On the way home, they pass the same places and realizes everyone knows her name and can see her Grandpa was talking about how proud he is of her. Turns out to be a good, fun day after all.
This was one of those books that my daughter didn't really care for, but I loved. In particular, I loved the illustrations by Elaine Chen. I can picture the story animated. It's beautiful. There is a part where May gets pooped on by a bird and my daughter mostly focused on that. Which is on par for her.
From Annick Press:
A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa.
May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. She's hungry, and bored with Gong Gong's errands. Plus, it seems like Gong Gong's friends are making fun of her! But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he’s been paying more attention than she thought.
With lighthearted, expressive illustrations by Elaine Chen, this charming debut expertly captures life in the city and shows how small, shared moments of patience and care—and a dumpling or two—can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them.
A glossary at the end of the book features translations of the Chinese words from the story into Chinese characters and English.
What Do You Think Card
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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 go on a scavenger hunt and find shiny objects that a monkey might want to steal. My daughter loved the idea and ran out of the room, while I waited anxiously for what she might find. She is very literal. So she came back with a shiny dress, a tin, and coins. Smart kid.
The Verdict
My enjoyment was 50/50 between these two books from Little Feminist Book Club. On one hand, I really enjoyed the Gong Gong book. I love the idea of my kids spending a day with their grandparents, especially out and about. My daughter gets frustrated when things aren't going her way, so I tried to help her see that while reading this book. And again, the illustrations were wonderful. Then on the other hand, I didn't really care for the thief book. It's a cute enough story, but there didn't seem to be any purpose or meaning in it. Without the strange coincidence with a plot point mirroring something we did that week, there would be nothing to speak of. It's worth pointing out that being disappointing in this sub is definitely rare. I almost always enjoy or, at the very least, appreciate each installment. So I'm not too worried moving forward.
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). These books retail for about $18. That is a $8 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.
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