I absolutely love kids books and can spend hours upon hours choosing books for Anya and then enjoying them with her.  We all know that it’s important to encourage our kids to read but to develop their interest and keep it going it’s so important to pick the right books for them.   Apart from searching online, I tend to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations, browse real bookshops in London and on holiday (where I have found some gems)  and I even ask on my facebook page which gets me some fabulous suggestions.  Over the years we have discovered many fab kids books in this way but there have been some disappointments too.  While I love searching for kids books, sometimes I wish there was a less time consuming way.  And that got me wondering about a kids book subscription box as there seem to be monthly subscription boxes for everything else these days!

I went searching and I found some – yay! In the UK there is The Willoughby Book Club where you can subscribe for 3, 6 or 12 months and it’s aimed at children from 5-12 years of age but they also offer toddler and baby book subscriptions.  You just answer a few questions about your child and the books are tailored to their age and interests.  In the US you have Giftlit which works in pretty much the same way but has a few advantages.  I especially liked that with Giftlit you get to see the books you are getting before you order and having briefly browsed their selection I have to add that it looks really good.  So if you don’t like the sound of one, you can substitute it with another and you can also return books.  This ensures you only get and keep books you and your kids love.  Lastly again in the UK is Prudence and the Crow who specialise in vintage books for kids and adults.  You don’t get to see the books which is a shame but I still like the idea behind the service.

I haven’t tried any of these book subscriptions yet but I am very tempted.  I love the idea of a kids book subscription box because of the element of surprise and also any kid would love to receive a monthly package in their name.  The anticipation would just add to their excitement of reading and enjoying the book.  And especially for those months when you don’t have time to search and find books you know you’ll at least receive one in the post.  Apart from your own child, these book subscription boxes would make great gifts too.  Have you tried one?  Where do you look for inspiration for your kids books?  Do you know of any other services?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

{photo by Abigail Fahey Photography for ebabee}