I write this after checking and checking the manifested Royal Mail tracking for orders shipped in the last couple of weeks. Most of the boxes have now landed on doorsteps with only a few outstanding. I received an email this morning from Royal Mail stating that all deliveries should arrive before Christmas if they were sent before the cut off dates. I have my fingers crossed and hope they can fulfill this, they must be working so hard. With the new announcements their already stretched workforce will have had a mountain of additional post to deliver and whilst I share the frustrations of many, I do feel they are trying their hardest. Some parcels sent in the second week of December seem to have taken nearly two weeks to arrive on what should be a 48 hour service. Stressful for all involved. As my last boxes were shipped on the 17th and the cut off was the 18th I'm really hoping and praying that my customers will all have their boxes on time.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive THANK YOU to all my customers that have supported my small business as it has grown throughout the year. I was expecting a rise in sales in the run up to Christmas but my feet have literally not touched the ground and I have almost been packing boxes in my sleep!! All of the Christmas boxes sold out and many of the other ranges too! Thank you all so much and I do hope that lots of children are enjoying them and the concept of Bring a Book to Life!
Moving forward January sees the launch of a Dyslexia Friendly box suitable for children 8-12 years. I'm really excited to be working with Barrington Stoke to provide books that are easily accessible for children with dyslexia as this is often a barrier for children to read for pleasure. The books are shorter in length but have content suitable for 8-12 year olds. The font is sans serif which can aid a dyslexic reader and it is also printed on cream, smooth quality paper known to help. I really feel the idea behind Bring a Book to Life will work well to children with dyslexia. Having tangible gifts and objects that are linked to the story could encourage children to read on to discover the link, therefore encouraging perseverance. I'm looking forward to hearing the feedback on these boxes to see if this is the case.
There are also 3 other boxes launching January under the theme 'New Beginnings' and images of all boxes are shown in the gallery below. Use the lin to the website below for further info on the contents.
Next year I am also donating a box a month to the charity http://giveabook.org.uk/ which is a charity dedicated to promoting books and a pleasure of reading in the hardest of places. I'm hoping my boxes will reach children that deserve the opportunity to enjoy books. I'll keep you posted on how they are received in the coming weeks!
The February theme is now also announced and is called 'Ready Player One?' This theme is inspired by Internet Safety Week happening in February. Although this is the inspiration the majority of the titles are books about computer games and the adventures involved with them with the exception of the 3+ box which is a wonderful tale of a Chicken who gets too busy 'Clicking' on the internet!! Can't wait to share more details with you soon.
With that, I'd like to sign off with a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and hopefully a HAPPIER NEW YEAR! I hope you are all staying safe and will be able to share some Christmas memories with loved ones, be it in person or virtually. I really appreciate all your lovely messages about the boxes and look forward to seeing pictures of some more unboxings soon!
with warmest wishes
Kate x