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 Gender-Neutral box is $37.00 per month + free US shipping while the Full-Size box is $44 per month. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral 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.)
April is in full swing and Earth day is closing in. And beTWEEN the Bookends has captured the importance of this day through an "Earth Day" themed box. Featuring new books and a heap of awesome lifestyle goodies, this box always impresses. Read below to find out what this month's awesome theme included!
First Impressions
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The contents of this box are packaged neatly in turquoise tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clip art of a boy and 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 check it out!
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Pamphlet
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The info pamphlet outlines every item that is included in each of beTWEEN the bookends' boxes. Featured on the back is a well known quote by the beloved John Denver: "Love the Earth as you would love yourself." What great advice! With the included descriptions, the kids couldn't wait to dive in and see what else was included.
Rescue at Lake Wile by Terry Lynn Johnson - Retail Value $16.99
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Everyone knows that twelve-year-old Madison “Madi” Lewis is not allowed to bring home any more animals. After she's saved hairless mice, two birds, a rabbit, and a stray tom cat that ended up destroying the front porch, Madi’s parents decide that if they find one more stray animal in the house, she won’t be allowed to meet Jane Goodall at an upcoming gala event. But when Madi and her two best friends, Aaron and Jack, rescue beaver kits whose mother was killed, they find themselves at the center of a local conspiracy that’s putting the beavers and their habitats in danger. As Madi and her friends race to uncover the threat targeting the beavers, Madi must put her animal whisperer skills to the test in both raising the orphaned beaver kits and staying out of trouble long enough.
A perfect fit for an Earth Day box, this eco-friendly story is one that includes adventure, mystery, and informative discussions. Featuring a brave 12-year-old girl and her two friends, Hank was engaged from the start. As a nature nut, this topic was perfect for my son, and he truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Through this book we also discovered that Terry Johnson is also the author of the Ice Dogs, Sled Dog School, Dog Driven and the Survivor Diaries, which you can bet we will be checking out!
River Magic by Ellen Booraem - Retail Value $16.99
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Donna's always liked her life by the river--that is, until her beloved aunt Annabelle died in a tragic kayaking accident. Now money's tight, her mom works all the time, and her best friend, Rachel, would rather hang out with her basketball teammates than with Donna. When a strange old woman moves in next door and hires Donna to clean part-time, she figures this is the perfect chance to get over her friendship troubles and help her family out--especially since the woman pays in gold. Turns out, Donna's new neighbor is an ancient, ornery thunder mage, and it doesn't take much to make her angry. Before Donna knows it, Rachel is in danger and Donna's family is about to lose their home. To save the day, Donna will need the help of a quirky new friend and the basketball team . . . plus the mysterious, powerful creature lurking in the river.
Another adventure book, this one really will keep you on your toes! With interesting characters, and written in a simple and witty way, this one has a lot going on, but is really fun to read. Hank had a hard time putting this one down, and was happy to receive the hardcover version. Another win for the month of April!
Wooden Soap Dish
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The first lifestyle item we received this month was one I at first thought was a coaster. With a dished out center and slots, this wooden soap dish features the words "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Read" along with the "beTWEEN the Bookends" logo. To keep this cute little dish from slipping, it also has foam feet on the bottom. While this inclusion seems a little random at first, it pairs with another lifestyle item we received for a fun bathroom treat!
Earth Themed Soap Bar from "Beach Bum Body Shoppe"
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To pair with the soap dish, we received an Earth themed soap bar from a small shop "Beach Bum Body Shoppe". With a sweet and fruity scent, this blue soap looks truly like our earth and sits on a fun little stand when not placed on the dish. Making hand washing ultra fun, Hank loved this inclusion and has been using it everyday since!
Window Cling
Since we started reviewing the beTWEEN the bookends subscription, we have accumulated an impressive sticker collection, but this month they switched it up a bit. Instead of a sticker set, we received a window cling, and it was a really welcome surprise. This month's little frog character adorably held up an "Earth Day Every Day" sign and went right up into Hanks room on his window.
Seed Growing Pencil Set
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Fitting the Earth Day theme perfectly, this set of pencils is unlike any set I have ever seen. Not only can you sharpen this pencil to write with, but once your pencil is too short, you can stick it in the ground and grow lavender, lucky clovers, sunflowers, and baby's breath. Because we are gardeners, this was one of our favorite items, and Hank has been vigorously writing to try this out!
Sticker Sheet from Pipsticks
As a self proclaimed sticker freak, I was soooo excited to see this pack of Pipstickers included. With recycling stickers that are glittery and green, I loved the recyclables almost as much as Hank did. Perfect for decorating a notebook or journal, Hank lovingly split these with me, and I was so thankful!
Earth Keychain
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The last item we received was this cool earth keychain. This clear orb has a silver ring around the middle that holds the planet Earth design. Unique in style, and a perfect fit for this box, Hank first located Minnesota, then added this to his backpack zipper.
Verdict
beTWEEN the Bookends always delivers, and this month was no different. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: kids need to read. As a mom and educator, I see the effects that technology has on our kids, and while it can be used to enhance learning, I've also seen it hinder learning. If you have a child that doesn't like to read, or loves reading, this subscription box is for you. Not only are all of the books fantastic, but the lifestyle items make reading fun, all while being useful. A perfect curation for the "Earth Day" theme, Hank loved this box, and can't wait to see what's in store for May!
The beTWEEN the Bookends gender neutral box costs $37.00 per month, including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $26.00, I find the $37.00/month cost very reasonable as the lifestyle items help shape this box into an entire experience.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
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 May box.
What did you think of the BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral box?
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