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 + $2.95 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
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour - Retail Value $17.99
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The story revolves around an unnamed girl with two moms she calls Mommy and Mama. Mommy goes on a work trip for a week and the girl recounts what she does each day and how it is different without Mommy there. They order two drinks instead of three. They don't buy the same amount of groceries. And sitting at the table doesn't feel the same, because she usually sits in the middle, but there is no middle with two people. As the day approaches, she joyously plans for Mommy's arrival, but when Mommy eventually comes home, the girl is sad remembering one week of missing. Mommy understands. Then she and Mama give her a hug with the girl in the middle and it feels just right.
My daughter often gets sad or anxious thinking about things that won't happen for days or maybe not at all. She's even been sad being with someone she loves knowing they are going to leave the next day. So we're teaching her to enjoy the moment, which is something I didn't consider I'd have to teach a child. She is always asking to call, write, or go see people and even when they can hang out, she's sad that it doesn't happen right away. So we are also learning patience, which is something I knew I'd have to teach my kiddos, but I didn't think they would be so sad about good things that are going to happen in a few days. We can't even tell her that her birthday is coming up without disappointing her. So, we're learning as much as she is. Anyway, this is all to say that this story resonated with all of us.
Also, this was the first time she noticed and asked about someone having two moms (or dads). It was nice to have that conversation, although it was shorter than I expected. I said it's possible; love is love. And she said, "OK." Kids just learn and move on.
From Candlewick Press:
For one little girl, there’s no place she’d rather be than sitting between Mama and Mommy. So when Mommy goes away on a work trip, it’s tricky to find a good place at the table. As the days go by, Mama brings her to the library, they watch movies, and all of them talk on the phone, but she still misses Mommy as deep as the ocean and as high as an astronaut up in the stars. As they pass by a beautiful garden, the girl gets an idea . . . but when Mommy finally comes home, it takes a minute to shake off the empty feeling she felt all week before leaning in for a kiss. Michael L. Printz Award winner Nina LaCour thoughtfully renders a familiar, touching story of a child who misses a parent, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, whose distinctive style brings charm and playfulness to this delightful family of three.
A little girl stays home with Mama when Mommy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent.
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. They are nice in the way they help you ask direct 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 "Little Feminist In Action" page asks your little one to think of things they love to do with their family. Then they ask them to draw their family and write a sentence that will make them feel grounded and loved when a family member cant be with them in that moment.
Verdict
Little Feminist Book Club does it again. My daughter connected with the story, asked a question she's never thought of, and, her favorite thing – there were lots of details to find in its pages. She is learning to deal with her emotions, especially the mad and sad ones. This story tapped into those sad ones – I think I'll be able to remind her of this story next time she is missing someone or just wants someone to visit (which is every day). We enjoyed the colorful illustrations and little details. And again, it was really nice for her to visualize a child having two moms or dads and have her ask about it. I want my children to grow up accepting, loving, and tolerant. Installments of this subscription are consistent and constantly helping with that.
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 (with shipping). This book retails for $17.99. That is a $8 difference in value. The content is always good, but I would understand if some parents were dissuaded by the cost difference some months. Especially after several installments.
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 always $2.95. 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? No. You have to order before the 25th to receive that month’s selection. So at this point, you will get next month's. 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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