Review, Giveaway and Reader Discount!: Excite Books

Do you have or know of a bookworm kiddo? If so, definitely check out Excite Books. It's a great concept....kind of like NetFlix for books but you don't send the books back. Each month you receive 1, 2, or 3 teacher-certified, age-appropriate books depending on the plan you choose. Then, after you've received the 12th book you also get a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope that you can use to donate none, some, or all of the books that you've received to a needy library. Pretty cool idea, especially considering the fact that kids LOVE to get "snail mail".

Click "Read more" for more info. on Excite Books....

Full review based on 4 stars.

Idea **** -
I think it's a great concept. It adds even more fun to reading for your kiddo thanks to the anticipation of receiving something new in the mail every month. Plus, for those who love charts, the first shipment includes a poster for the reader to add a sticker to received in each shipment. Plus, they get to learn about donating, which is made so easy through Excite Books.

Customization/Offering ** - You specify the age/grade level, but that's it. The breakdowns are Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades, Teen Books, plus Cook Books and Puzzle Books. I'd prefer the ability to choose the books from their "teacher-certified" options. We received the Toy Story book, which is a good story but I'd prefer less commercial books.

Cost *** (for the 2 and 3 book deals, not really worth it for the one book subscription in my opinion unless you're doing it for the donation aspect) -

There are 3 subscription options:
One book - $4.99 a month plus the flat $4.95 shipping rate
Two books - $9.99 a month plus the flat $4.95 shipping rate
Three books - $14.99 a month plus the flat $4.95 shipping rate

While it's tough to imagine spending anything beyond the necessities these days, the two or three book subscriptions are a fair value. For example, one of their toddler books is Five Minutes Peace by Jill Murphy. It is $6.99 new pre-tax (and/or shipping if ordered on-line), so the total would likely be ~$7.50. If you were to purchase two similar books the total would be roughly the same as the two book total of $15, it would be even more if you got it on-line. The value improves for the three book deal.

Plus, it's good to know that you're not stuck in a contract and can cancel at any time if your kiddo isn't digging it as much as you thought they would.

Overall *** - I think it's a very fun idea with a great goal of not only making reading more exciting but giving back to the community. It's an especially great option for those who aren't able to hit a library easily or frequently. It's also a great gift idea for grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.

If you'd like to give Excite Books a try for yourself, or give a subscription as a gift, Excite Books is offering you the chance to get 4 books for the price of 3! All you have to do is enter the phrase 4th Book Free in the field where you customize the note for your child. (Go ahead and write the note, too. Excite Books will be sure to remove the 4th book free phrase before they print the personalized note.)

We're offering one lucky Kid Buy Products reader the chance to give Excite Books a try for FREE! All you have to do is visit the Excite Books website and check out the link that showcases just some of the books you might receive if you were to become a member. Choose the age group you would subscribe to and your favorite book from the ones listed. Come back to this post and leave us a comment telling us your favorites and you'll be entered in our giveaway of a free one-month membership to Excite Books. All comments must be received by 11:59 CST on Thursday, December 18, 2008. We'll choose one winner using random.org. You can check out our official giveaway rules here.