Book Subscription Services for Kids
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(Image credit: Lizzie Ford)
If you have a child who loves reading, it can take a good deal of time and energy researching new books for her to devour. Even if your child isn’t a natural reader, finding something to engage and interest her can be the difference between nurturing a life-long bibliophile and a begrudging reader. If you’re not quite sure where to turn to find great books for your children, there’s now a significant group of book subscription services to help you along. We’ve summarized a few of them here so you can decide if one of these companies might be the right fit for you.
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Zoobean: Founded by the former head of K-12 Education at Google and one of Washington, DC’s Teachers of the Year, this service aims to build kids’ literacy by curating books, apps, and literacy resources for each individual child. You can choose to receive a book each month or subscribe to a digital version, where you receive unique (online) reading guides and app recommendations, and a book recommendation, but no physical book. All their book suggestions are cataloged by reading level, character types, favorite genres, and “interests” from “Adventure” to “Not-So-Pink Girls” to “Zany.” $2.99 per month for digital version (plus a free 60 day trial) or $9.99+ for a monthly physical book and its reading guide.
- Sproutkin: Sproutkin is designed for younger kids aged 0 – 6. For the baby and toddler set, a monthly subscription includes a box of board books (and sometimes a bonus toy) themed around a developmental milestone every month. Kids 3 – 6 receive a “Sproutkit” that includes up to 10 books and a curriculum card (with discussion questions and activity suggestions), all based around a particular theme. These books are meant to be returned once they are finished, and once they are your child will receive a new set of books. There’s no limit to the number of sets you can receive. $25 per month.
- Just the Right Book: This service is for readers of all ages, but they also have a special Kids and Teens section. You can choose a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly subscription, and books are curated based on your child’s interests. Yearly subscriptions range from $59 to $275 depending on frequency and type of book (hardcover or paperback).
- BookBoard: BookBoard focuses on eBooks, adding a gaming element to reading by combining a large supply of content with a some competition. Kids can earn achievements as they read, reinforcing and rewarding good reading habits while keeping parents informed with information about their child’s reading habits. As kids read, they “unlock” other book titles. Each subscription comes with access to 400+ eBooks; those for younger kids are often audio-enabled so your kid can have a book read to him. 6 month plan is $4.99 a month; monthly plan is $8.99 a month.
Have you tried a subscription book service for your children? Let us know in the comments.