beTWEEN the Bookends is the first monthly book and lifestyle box created for kids by a teen herself! Boxes follow a monthly theme and contain age-appropriate books and lifestyle items that have been read and hand tested by Jillian, the 14-year-old creator. Full size boxes contain 2-3 books and 6-8 lifestyle items, while mini boxes include 1 book and 3-5 lifestyle items. The new gender-neutral boxes will contain the same 2-3 books in the full boxes but will have only 3-5 gender neutral lifestyle items.
The Cost: The Full-Size box is $44 per month, while the Gender-Neutral box is $37.00 per month + free US shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Full-Size Box.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
With over an entire month of school under our belt, the change of weather has our jam-packed days of outside time diminished. That means we have more time for relaxing in the living room, playing games as a family, and best of all: reading. Because Halloween is one of our favorite things about October, we couldn't wait to see what this month's beTWEEN the Bookends would contain, and spoiler alert - it didn't disappoint! Read below to find out what we received in this month's "A Bookish Halloween" themed October box.
First Impressions
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The contents of this box are packaged neatly in pink tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clipart of a pigtail donning girl. The anticipation of seeing what's underneath this tissue paper always has us on the edge of our seats. We just can't wait to dive in!
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Note
This month's welcome note shares with us all that is included in this "Bookish Halloween" themed box. Not only are two hardcover books incorporated, but as are six lifestyle items, including three specifically from a small shop. Along with this month's contents, also listed is the theme for next month's box and all of beTWEEN the bookend's social media info. (I can't wait to see what's in store for the "Thankful for Books" November box!)
Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang - Retail Value $17.99
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Rae’s father vanished without a trace—and Rae knows what happened to him. But no one believes her when she says that her father didn’t run off, that he was actually taken. Now, a year of therapy later, Rae’s mother decides they need a fresh start, and so they move to a new town in the hope that life can return to normal.The problem is, there is nothing normal about the town of Whispering Pines. No one knows this better than Caden. He’s lived in Whispering Pines his entire life, and he’s seen more than his fair share of weird—starting with his own family, as the town is the perfect home base for his mother’s ghost hunting business.When several kids go missing and then show up like zombies with their eyes removed, many locals brush it off. Just another day in Whispering Pines. But Caden has a dark secret, one that may explain why someone is stealing eyes. And Rae, who knows how it feels to not be believed, may be just the person Caden needs to help him put things right.
This book was definitely perfectly suited for October, as it has a creepy premise to it. While we haven't finished the entire thing, Hank and I have been reading this out loud to each other and have enjoyed the intense mystery, though I don't like reading it before bed, just because I, myself, don't want to have nightmares!
The Language of Ghosts by Heather Fawcett - Retail Value $16.99
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Forced into exile on an enchanted, moving island, ex-princess Noa Marchena has two missions: reclaim her family’s stolen throne and ensure that the dark powers her older brother, Julian, possesses don’t go to his head in the process. But between babysitting her annoying little sister, Mite, and keeping an eye on the cake-loving sea monster that guards the moving island, Noa has her hands full. When the siblings learn that their enemies are searching for a weapon capable of defeating Julian—whose legendary spell weaving is feared throughout the kingdom—once and for all, they vow to get to it first. To everyone’s surprise, the key to victory turns out to be a long-lost magical language—and only Noa can speak it. But what if by helping her brother, Noa ends up losing him?
Now this is a cool book! With so many neat things going on, we really enjoyed the magical aspect to this book and love, love, love the cake-loving sea monster! Worth 12 AR points, this is a thick read, but one that is well worth it.
Fall Themed Paint Set- The Works Custom Gifts
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Hank really enjoys crafts so this kit was a fitting inclusion for him personally. Made of thin wood, this leaf shaped set was created by a small shop and features BeTWEEN the Bookends exclusive clipart. With a mesmerizing verse by Oscar Wilde, we set this kit aside to paint on the weekend. Noting it's a little tricky to paint the lasered font, Hank has already decided he will paint the opposing side and use it as a coaster for his cocoa mug.
Halloween Drawstring Bag
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Charlie received this very same drawstring bag in his "Early Reader" box, and Hank was a little jealous after seeing just how useful it is. Unlike other vinyl bags, the fabric of this bright orange bag is a bit thicker, and of course has the adorable "I'm here for the Boooooks" quote. Besides being the colors of our school mascot, this large bag holds a multitude of books, clothes, and snacks for a daylong hiking adventure!
Monthly Button
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In typical fashion, we also received an October themed button. Featuring a pile of books, coffee mug, and witches hat, we have all the best things of the month adorning this cute white pin. While I prefer to debut these on my jean jacket, the boys like decorating their library bags with them- giving them an ultra-customized look.
Bath Bomb Cauldron - Cosmetics For College
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Charlie was sooo jealous when he caught a glimpse of this cauldron bath bomb in the "Tween" box. Hank being the sweet big brother he is let him have this amazing smelling bomb, but asked to keep the cauldron when he was done. Smelling like orange and clove, this emits the most delectable scent - fall is definitely in the air with this bath bomb!
Monthly Sticker Pack - Salem Bows and More
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How cute are these little vinyl book and skeleton stickers? Spooky and cute, they have gone into our sticker collection to add on to a great-aunt's Halloween birthday card, and a Halloween anniversary card!
Skeleton Keychain
Typically we receive the gender-neutral box for my oldest son, but because of a bit of a mix-up, we received the full size version instead. This happened to be a bonus for me, as I love this skeleton pom keychain! While Hank wasn't all that thrilled about the cute pink top hat skeleton, and ultra fuzzy pom, I added it to my backpack for some October flair!
Verdict
Reading is such an important life skill, so I tend to place it very high on my "momming" pedestal. I came across beTWEEN the Bookends through a readers comments and I am addicted. With awesome monthly themes, amazing book titles, and fun extras this subscription is definitely one of our favorites. The extra spooky theme this month was well received along with the cauldron bath bomb. This subscription really is awesome for giving kids the tools they need to gain a love of learning through reading and having fun. We can't wait to see what they have in store for next month!
The beTWEEN the Bookends full size box costs $44.00 per month, including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $35.00, I find the $44.00/month cost very reasonable as the extra lifestyle items help shape the receival of this box into an entire experience.
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Other Things You Should Know
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? beTWEEN the bookends tends to ship the first week of each month. Order now to receive the November box.
What did you think of the BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween Full Size box?
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