8 questions to ask when choosing a children’s book subscription

Aug 10, 2025

There’s no doubt about it: subscriptions are becoming an increasing feature of many people’s lives. From practical purchases to treats and gifts there’s a subscription available for all ages and budgets, even for pets!

Subscriptions have important benefits. Knowing that you will receive a regular delivery of something you need reduces stress by cutting down time spent on planning or admin. It can also build excitement and anticipation about each delivery.

Back in 2017 we realised that applying these subscription benefits to helping parents support children’s love of reading could be transformational for families. We created our children’s book subscription business with a mission to help children read more, and more widely. We also knew from our own children that making each monthly delivery an experience – with activities and added extras – couldn’t help but boost children’s love of reading too.

In a world where digital entertainment is just a tap away, we’re proud to have grown our book subscription business to cover chapter books for children aged 5 to 14 and have so many loyal families building their home libraries around the books we choose for our boxes.

Finding the right kids book subscription box

Whether you’re a parent looking to supplement your child’s reading at home, a grandparent hoping to gift something meaningful or a caregiver seeking tools that combine fun and education, book subscriptions can offer tremendous value… if you choose wisely.

With a number of children’s book subscriptions available, these are the eight essential questions we think you should consider before clicking subscribe:

1. What age group is the book subscription designed for?

Not all book boxes are created equal. Some subscriptions cater specifically to babies and toddlers with board books, while others are designed for early readers with illustrated chapter books and graphic novels.

Thinking of older children, there are many subscription boxes for young adults (which appeal to many adults too) but may be totally unsuitable for tweens and younger teens. (That’s why we created our Macaw box specifically for 12 to 14 year olds!)

Even better, look for subscriptions that offer multiple age ranges so your child can move through the levels as they mature. For example, our Parakeet box is for younger readers who can then progress onto our Cockatoo box for 8 to 12-year old readers.

2. Are the book choices personalised based on my child’s interests?

This question is an interesting one. There is an argument that a book box offering some level of personalisation—such as themes or favourite genres—can keep your child more engaged. However, when trying such boxes with our own children we found that the choices felt somehow less exciting when they were so similar to other books on our shelves. We even received some duplicates of titles we already had.

These experiences inspired us to design our subscription boxes so that every child in each of our age groups receives the same book each month. In this way subscribers are encouraged to try a range of different genres and styles, trying books they might not have otherwise picked up. We’ve lost track of the number of times we’ve been told that a subscriber has discovered a new all-time favourite via our boxes which they would never have considered before.

3. Does the subscription include classics, bestsellers, new releases or a mix?

Some book boxes focus on award-winning classics or hardback editions of the latest celebrity release, while others prioritise debut authors and contemporary themes.

When curating our subscription boxes we’ve always avoided classics, celebrity authors and bestsellers. Our rationale being that parents can easily find those titles themselves in bookshops, libraries or even the supermarket! We can bring value as expert curators by sharing newly released or hidden gems that families might not otherwise have discovered.

4. Will the book choices support my child’s emotional and social development in addition to their literacy skills?

Whilst the entertainment factor is important, when selecting a children’s book subscription it’s also about finding a product that will nurture a growing mind.

The best children’s book subscriptions include books that help develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, vocabulary and even early problem-solving skills. Books with strong story arcs, relatable characters, and moral dilemmas allow children to process emotions and better understand the world around them.

Before signing up take a look at the books that have been included in recent boxes and check for titles that:

• Introduce age-appropriate challenges and themes

• Encourage curiosity and creativity

• Help children recognise and talk about feelings

• Build confidence through stories of overcoming adversity

A high-quality subscription will go beyond flashy covers or big name titles and deliver stories that help shape little minds.

5. Do the book choices promote diversity, inclusion and positive values?

Representation in children’s literature matters. The best subscriptions include stories with diverse characters, authors from different backgrounds and themes that promote kindness, empathy, and curiosity. A good mix of books can open your child’s eyes to the world around them.

6. Are there additional materials included in the box?

Enhancing the reading experience can make it more interactive and meaningful. Many subscriptions offer added extras which turn a simple book into an engaging and exciting experience.

But not all extra materials hold the same value. We choose to include book club-style questions, facts, jokes and activity prompts in our boxes. Not only do they offer hours of entertainment (they’re not meant to feel like school work) but we’re proud to produce all these materials on recyclable cardboard pages reducing the eco-footprint of our boxes.

Other book subscriptions may offer more educationally-focused content or things like small toys, trinkets and sweets to accompany each book.

7. How much does the subscription box cost and is it good value for money?

Make sure to evaluate how many books you receive, the quality (hardcover vs. paperback) and any extras that are included. Some boxes also offer discounts for longer commitments or sibling bundles. Finally consider, will you be having to pay shipping costs on top each month?

8. What do other parents say in reviews and testimonials?

Before committing, it's smart to read reviews from other parents. This helps you get a sense of book quality, customer service, and whether kids actually enjoy the selections.

A children’s book subscription can be a wonderful investment in your child’s growth and imagination—if you choose the right one. By asking these eight key questions, you’ll be well-equipped to pick a box that sparks joy and learning every month.

Find out more about Parrot Street Book Club's children’s book subscriptions.