Reading is one of the most fundamental skills that we can acquire, and if you have children, you know how much emphasis is placed on its importance. While some experts say that reading the same books repeatedly is good for a child’s development, there’s also a compelling case for introducing variety into your kids’ book selection. It lends itself to raising a reader, which leads to elevated literacy and independence, among other traits.
As a parent, you may be looking to add more variety to your child's library for several reasons; if you have an avid older reader they may be going through books too quickly for you to keep up, or if you have a younger reader, you might just be looking to find something new and engaging so that you don't have to read that same book over and over. Luckily, there are a lot of great book clubs out there for every age group, and we've compiled a list of the best kids' book subscription services so you can find one that's a perfect fit for your family!
If you are looking to indulge your own bookish side with a monthly book subscription, check out our list of reader-voted best book subscriptions for adults!
The 5 Best Book Clubs for Kids in 2023:
BookrooBest Overall
Starting at $25.00Get Bookroo
LiteratiBest for Largest Selection of Age-Based Clubs
Starting at $20.00Get Literati
Little Fun ClubBest for Catering to Each Child's Interests
Starting at $20.95Get Little Fun Club
The Book DropBest for Supporting an Independent Book Store
Starting at $17.99Get The Book Drop
The 10 Best Kids Book Clubs in 2023 for Age-Appropriate Books
1. Bookroo
Image of the Picture Book Box from our review.
The Cost: Starts at $24.95 per month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-12
What They'll Get: Bookroo offers a monthly board book box that sends 3 board books for ages 0-3 or 2 hardcover children’s books for kids ages 0-6, and they arrive beautifully wrapped amping up the excitement each month. Do you have kids of multiple ages that both want in on the reading fun? Bookroo offers an option for alternating each month between board books and picture books.
And, if you have somewhat older readers, Bookroo offers a chapter books subscription box too. Choose from the Chapter Book Box for kids ages 7-10 or the Middle Grade Book Club for children ages 9-12. Each monthly delivery comes with two new titles and each hardback book comes wrapped for an added thrill as your kid unboxes their wordy findings!
Plans and Pricing:
- Board Book Club - $24.95/box
- Picture Book Club - $24.95/box
- Junior Chapter Book Club - $25.95/box
- Middle Grade Chapter Book Club - $25.95/box
Pros
- Books for 4 age brackets
- Can alternate months for different book clubs
- Excellent curation geared towards learning and exploration
Cons
- Can't return books
- Shipping isn't free
2. Literati
Image via Literati.
The Cost: $9.95 per month + the cost of whatever books you decide to keep. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-12
What They'll Get: Literati is a children's book club with a subscription model similar to clothing styling services (like Stitch Fix)—you pay a fee ($9.95) and are sent a monthly box of five expertly selected kids' books curated around a theme. When your shipment arrives, sit down with your child over the course of the week to give each a read and see what your family thinks.
Anything you love, you'll buy (and Literati guarantees prices lower than those found on Amazon); anything that isn't just right, you'll send back. If you don't want to keep any books, you'll only be charged your $9.95 monthly fee, but if you keep all five, a 5% discount will be applied to your order! Literati is a great way to foster a love of reading in babies and kids ages newborn-13+.
Here's a list of the 14 different book club boxes they offer:
- Babies & Toddlers: Includes interactive board books and vibrant picture books.
- Dreamer (0–6 months; 7–12 months)
- Seeker (0–6 months, 7–12 months, 2 years)
- Stargazer (12 months, 2 years–3 years)
- Discoverer (2 years–4 years)
- Preschool—2nd Grade: Young children will advance from picture books into richer narratives.
- 3rd Grade—5th Grade: Older elementary-age readers will start to comprehend wordplay, metaphor, and plot dialogue.
- Adventurer (7 years–9 years)
- Navigator (8 years–10 years)
- Aviator (9 years–11 years)
- 6th Grade—8th Grade: Middle school readers will strengthen their critical thinking.
- Trailblazer (10 years–12 years)
- Wizard (11 years–13 years)
- Legend (12 years–14 years)
Pros
- 14 reading levels that follow skill-based benchmarks
- Get 5 books in each monthly box
- Only pay for the books you keep
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other choices
- Monthly fee on top of the cost of books
3. OwlCrate Jr.
Image from our review.
The Cost: $32.99 a month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021
For Ages: 8-12
What They'll Get: OwlCrate Jr. sends one hardcover book per month, alongside book-related items (think maps, patches, games, notebooks, and more) that can be enjoyed by any gender. This book box is geared toward middle-grade readers and is an awesome way for older kids to fully immerse themselves in a great storyline. This is the perfect monthly box for reluctant readers since it's full of interactive and engaging goodies.
Pros
- Fun and unique items based on the theme of the month
- Includes a signed bookplate and an exclusive letter from the author
- Gain access to an exclusive Reading Guide
Cons
- No option for younger readers (7 and under)
- Only sends one book per month
4. Little Fun Club
Image via Little Fun Club.
The Cost: $22.95 a month for 2 books, or $26.95 for 3 books + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-12
What They'll Get: Little Fun Club is a book subscription box that delivers 2-3 age-appropriate hardcover books per month. You can expect new titles, board books, award-winning children’s literature, and educational books.
All of the club’s titles focus on adventure, which naturally builds your child’s love of reading. With selections from award-winning authors and illustrators, you’ll get dependable reading material with every shipment — and if you’re ready for additional books, the company’s themed Adventure Boxes make a great addition. The Little Fun Club is designed for kids ages 0 to 12 making it a wonderful pick if you have older kids as well.
Pros
- Includes 2-3 books per box
- Customized to your child's interests
- Options for kids ages 0-12
Cons
- 2 books per month option isn't competitively priced with retail
- No free shipping
5. The Book Drop
Image from our review.
The Cost: Starts as low as $12.98 per month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-14+ and adults
What They'll Get: The Book Drop is a book subscription box from the independent bookstore Bethany Beach Books. They offer options for both children ages 0-14+ and adults.
With multiple subscriptions to choose between, some plans include tea, coffee, or bubbly, whereas others offer a monthly jigsaw puzzle. Each book comes with a note from the shop explaining why they’re eager to share the book with subscribers.
Sign up to receive the genre group you’re most interested in, then wait for your lesser-known title to arrive in eco-friendly packaging. The Book Drop allows subscribers to read books they might not otherwise hear about. Plus your subscription helps an independent bookstore stay in business!
Pros
- Supports an independent bookstore
- Great for all ages and genres
- Has plans that include a jigsaw puzzle as well
Cons
- Separate subscriptions for jigsaw puzzles
- Shipping is not included
6. Reading Bug Box
Image from Reading Bug Box.
The Cost: Starts at $19.99 per box for the Babies & Toddlers box. Custom Box starts at $29.99 per box, and the 2 Children Box starts at $54.00 per box. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-13
What They'll Get: The Reading Bug Box is a book subscription box for children ages 0-13. The Reading Bug is actually an independent children's bookstore that wanted to bring its love for children's books to a broader audience. Hence, the Reading Bug Box was born! Each month your child will receive personally chosen books just for their age and reading level.
This book club is great because it is one of the most tailored book subscription boxes out there. Before subscribing you will fill out a quiz where you can input your child's age and comfort level with books. The bookstore's staff will then individually handpick books out for your child. They do not send the same book to everyone, each month. This is definitely not a one size fits all book club. Therefore, this subscription box is great for any child aged 0-13.
Pros
- Totally and completely tailored to your child
- Books extend from ages 0-13 and can include any genre your child is interested in
Cons
- Only ships to US and UAE
7. Tiny Humans Read
Image of the Picture Book Box from our review.
The Cost: $30.95/month +. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: 25% Off
CODE: MSA25
For Ages: 0-8
What They'll Get: It's all about whimsy—and education and empowerment, of course—with the Tiny Humans Read book subscription. Not only does each book come gift-wrapped, the stories within include sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and always inspiring, lesson-filled narratives. This is a great option for a little one's first reading club!
Choose which book club works best for your young readers:
- The Board Book Box: 4 board books for ages newborn-3, costs $24.99 per month.
- The Picture Book Box: 3 picture books for ages 3-8, costs $24.99 per month
- The Sibling Book Box: 2 board books and 2 picture books for ages newborn-8, costs $29.99 per month.
Pros
- 3 subscription boxes to choose from
- Each book comes gift wrapped
- Stories are fun but educational
Cons
- More expensive than other boxes
8. Little Bookish Wardrobe
Image of the Unisex Box from our review.
The Cost: Starts at $49 per month. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box!
CODE: LOVEMSA
For Ages: 3-7
What They'll Get: Get your imaginations ready! This children's book subscription sends one book per month, paired with a high-quality costume and a hands-on activity.
Subscription options include tiers for a single child unisex or girl costume ($49/month), twinning siblings with 2 unisex or 2 girl costumes ($72-210/month), or brother + sister siblings with one unisex and one girl costume ($76-$220/month). Available costume sizes range from 3T-7.
Now that's one way to instill a love of reading!
Pros
- 2-3 coordinating costume wardrobe and accessories to match characters
- Choose boxes for multiple kids or one child
- Includes a set of interactive role-play questions for the children to participate in
Cons
- No baby boxes
- One of the most expensive options
9. Just Like Me Box
Image from our review.
The Cost: Starts at $30 per month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
For Ages: 0-12
What They'll Get: With the Just Like Me! Book Box, you can expect to find 2-3 children's titles per month featuring exclusively characters of color! Alongside the books, you can expect to find bookish extras that enhance the at-home learning experience.
Select which age range is right for your child between 0-3, 4-8, and 9-12, and your little one will be well on their way to self-love and self-discovery by way of beautiful narratives.
Pros
- Features characters of color
- 2-3 children’s books per box
- A quarterly fun gift to encourage positive child development
Cons
- Boxes are based on developmental averages - some young readers might be more advanced
10. Elephant Books
Image of the Picture Book Box from our review.
The Cost: $24.95 per month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 15% off your first box!
CODE: ADDICTION
For Ages: 0-6
What They'll Get: Each month Elephant Books delivers brand new hardcover children’s books that they consider to be unique “undiscovered treasures” that your children will want to read over and over again. They offer two subscription options:
- The Board Book Box – 3 books for ages 0-2
- The Picture Book Box – 2 books for ages 2-6
Your books will arrive in the cutest elephant packaging that will be sure to delight your little ones from the moment their box arrives!
Pros
- Great deal compared to retail prices
- Includes reading tips for parents
- Original titles you won't find in most places
Cons
- Only 2 age groups
- No additional perks
Does your child love to read? Which of these kids' book subscriptions do you think they'd enjoy most? Tell us in the comments!
There are more amazing subscriptions for kids!
We have all sorts of recommendations. They can be found in these lists:
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