Here's something for the YOUNG READERS out there....
Best friends and book-lovers – Libby Harris and Kate Morris-Double will launch their new book subscription box and podcast for young readers on World Book Day, 2020.
Libby and Kate currently run successful young-adult-focused book subscription, Book Box Club (www.bookboxclub.com), which has been named as one of the best book subscription services by The Independent, The Evening Standard and Red Magazine.
Their new venture - called Tales by Mail (www.talesbymail.com) - will be a bi-monthly service, delivering two new reads, exclusive author content, games and activities and small bespoke gifts to young book-lovers around the world.
Tales by Mail will also have an accompanying podcast with interviews with guest authors and reading group chats with UK schools.
Kate says:” Both Libby and I have been obsessed with reading since we were children. Our love of books has allowed us to explore new worlds, sparked our imaginations, widened our vocabulary and introduced us to characters we would never meet in real life. Through Tales by Mail, I hope we can help instil the same sense of curiosity and wonder into the next generation of book-lovers.”
Libby says: “Our boxes bring surprises in the post every other month and combines the appeal of the digital age with the good old-fashioned book (without kids having to stare at a screen!). We’re particularly excited to partner with schools for the podcast and to hear what the children think about the books that we’ve selected.”
Prior to founding Book Box Club Libby and Kate were booksellers. They met working at award winning independent bookshop, Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights in Bath, where Kate was the assistant manager. During her time at Mr B’s, Kate was twice shortlisted for The Bookseller’s Young Bookseller award and named one of their 2014 Rising Stars of the book trade. Libby left bookselling to write a novel and pursue a career in education. In 2016 the two friends decided to go into business together. They launched Book Box Club in September that year and have since sent out over 14,000 boxes to book-lovers around the world.
Libby says: “Kate’s husband is a primary school teacher and I’m a former teaching assistant – so we’re very aware of how important it is to nurture young readers and help them take their love of books into adulthood. There’s little on the market by way of book-focused gifts specifically for children of this age group, so we’re excited to share our new Tales by Mail boxes and podcast.”
Prices for Tales by Mail boxes will start from £19.50 and subscription packages will be available for 1-6 boxes.
TESTIMONIALS FOR BOOK BOX CLUB
“I especially like getting books outside of my usual reading range as it has exposed me to some wonderful new experiences and emotions” – Tom Carr, UK
“The creativity in the curations speaks to my bookish soul. As a customer for over a year, it is clear that Libby and Kate take the time to ensure every box and every customer is handled like family.”
– Jessica Lorentz Smith, USA
“I purchase the book club box for my daughter, Milly is 15 and has the most infectious passion for reading. The boxes come so beautifully, the items inside are well thought out and unique. As a teacher I see how reading is so undervalued, so I thank you for providing such an amazing reading experience. I honestly wish you could see her face each month when her box arrives. It’s the best £28 I spend and worth every penny” – Gemma Maxwell, UK
Editors Notes: Tales by Mail will launch on March 5th. Boxes will go on sale on April 2nd. The first boxes will be posted in June. A limited number of boxes will be available to press and reviewers on request.
Kate Morris-Double lives in Melksham, Wiltshire. To talk to Kate please contact her on 07980174875 or email theteam@talesbymail.com
Libby Harris lives in Romford in Essex. To talk to Libby please contact her on 07837 670194 or email theteam@talesbymail.com
Attached photos include some pictures of our boxes and a young book-lover tuning into our podcast, plus one of Kate (blond hair on the left) and Libby (dark hair on the right).