Earlier in the year Biba and I found out about a Kickstarter campaign for a new UK based middle grade book box which is for ages 8-12. There was nothing like it available in the UK at the time (we previously had Owlcrate Jr shipped from the US at great cost) so we jumped at the chance and pledged support. Whilst the kickstarter campaign didn’t reach it’s goal, its creators were committed to producing this box for September and November at least and when a call for reps was put out on Instagram, Biba was desperate to apply! We were so happy when she got selected and even happier when we saw the amazing contents of the box! If you wanted to see our live unboxing it’s currently pinned to my story highlights on Instagram.

The book this month is The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson. It’s a contemporary story set in Scotland that explores blended families, ADHD, and self acceptance. The box edition is a gorgeous hardback, with beautiful decorative end papers and a bookplate signed by the author! Its a beautiful book, vibrantly orange and with a stunning butterfly theme, it’s really eye catching. To match in with the book there was a ribbon bookmark from Literary Galaxy and features charms at each end inspired by the two main characters in the book. It’s such a pretty bookmark and the first ribbon bookmark that Biba has ever had. There is also the enamel pin – we are huge pin collectors – which is amazing and designed by Nutmeg and Arlo with the wonderful motto of “you are more than enough” it features a locking pin back too, which is genius as we’re always worried about losing our pins when we wear them out and about. We’re looking forward to seeing the exclusive video from the author introducing the book, this is a totally unique idea and brilliant that there is this extra dimension to the box.

There are some really practical items this month too and they are perfect for back to school! A fantastic pair of quote pencils from Night Navy with a unique take on an old saying “practice makes progress” and the motto which we all should live by “it’s OK to be different” these are pre-sharpened and ready to go! Which is handy because there is a fabulous notebook (or doodle pad as Biba likes to call it) for her to “capture her thoughts” in. We love the image on the front of this book which was designed by the We Read Box creators themselves, it’s 3D element is stunning! Additional items this month were a Jelly wrist band with a fantastic orange and black marble effect with the phrase “Phoenix Rising” to remind us that we can get back up and start again and a twist and lock block fidget toy. These are used by children with ADHD and again fits in totally with the book this month, Biba loves this and couldn’t put it down during our unboxing!

The commitment to the theme this month is brilliant, all the items are useful and we loved how the items linked in with the book in different ways. As a parent of a child just starting to have insecurities about herself, I found the messages and motto’s contained inspiring and the pin will be worn frequently and will be a reminder to her and her friends that they don’t need to feel insecure. Whilst Biba loved all the items (even down to the sparkly organza bag the bookmark came in) her favourites were the book, the bookmark and the pin because she is such a fan of butterflies

Biba’s review: I love the idea of the butterflies as they are very colourful and they made the whole box look very bright. I really enjoyed the box and I liked all of it, there wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like. I’m excited to see the author video and the book sounds like it is full of very big ideas.

We Read Box are committed to making their products and packaging as eco friendly as possible, the boxes are from recycled card with paper packing and the books themselves are not plastic wrapped. They work with local businesses where possible to limit the carbon footprint of the boxes. If you love the look of this box you can still get the September box on the We Read Box website (while stocks last) at wereadbox.co.uk and also pre-order the November box (see below.) Boxes are just £27 including postage (yes, really!) within the UK!

The November theme is “Natural Magic” and contains not one, but two books! There will be a double sided bookmark, an exclusive enamel pin, an activity book and a large item designed by Elvenwick Candles (although it’s not a candle!) we’re so excited about the theme and based on this box, it’s definitely going to be worth the wait!

Thank you so much to Kirsty and Stacey for gifting this box to Biba, all opinions on the box and items are our own and have not been influenced by receiving the box for free.