New UK Bookstore Launches Family Reading Subscription Bringing Grown Ups and Kids Closer — One Shared Story at a Time

A newly launched online bookstore is introducing a subscription service designed to bring families closer together — by sending an adult and child version of the same book each month, so grown-ups and kids can finally read the same story with fewer existential crises (for them) and less pictures (for you) OR arguing over who had it last. One Story, Two Books, Two Readers, Zero Arguments!

Launching in July, the subscription pairs a children’s edition (age 7+) or advanced readers (age 5+) with the matching adult edition, giving families a shared reading experience that sparks conversation, connection, and the occasional “Wait, did we read the same chapter?” moment.

“Families want to spend more time together, but life is busy and technology is ever present, in cases isolating children. Reading is a critical skill and can be nurtured by reading something together with an intriguing story for you both to enjoy. We discussed this as a team and, as we researched, we found more and more classics and other books that have been edited for children, so that they could read the same story as an adult, in a quicker, simple, illustrated fashion.

So we thought: what if we send two versions of the same book? That way, adults and kids can read together — or separately — and talk about the story without anyone spoiling the ending.”

The subscription aims to make reading a shared ritual again, whether it’s with a parent, grandparent, carer, godparent or aunt or uncle; as a bedtime chat, weekend/holiday reading session, or a spirited debate about which character made the worst decision.

Each monthly delivery includes:

· Big – Adult – Book Edition

· Mini – Child (age 7+) – Book Edition – a version of the book carefully chosen by our team

· Literary Plot Suspension Markers – Bookmarks – for each book

· Official Anti-Book-Thievery Notice – “This Book Belongs To...” Stickers – for each book, when applicable

· Collector’s Book Companion Record – Book Review Slips – one designed for an adult and the other carefully designed for the little one

· The Big Book, Mini Book Club Talk Show – fun & silly prompts to help families discuss the story

· Open If You Dare... Your Next Quest - Secret Envelope Activity – Only to be opened when the books are finished

· Customised Stickers: for your travels around our uniquely curated world

· A personal letter to our cherished subscribers from The Bookstore CEO (Chief Everything Officer)

· A Sprinkle of Monthly Mystery Extras from our Bookish Forest – special surprises from our team to you both

The subscription’s mission is simple: help families (re)connect through stories, laughter, and the joy of reading the same book, even if one reader is secretly skipping ahead, with spirited debates after about which character you’d invite to tea.

The founder added: “We wanted to create something to help families bond without needing a group chat, a shared calendar, or a reminder from Alexa. Just two books, one story, magic and zero technology.”

The subscription has officially launched closing on 28 July for the first month’s dispatch, with first orders being sent out on 1 August. Sign up and wait for your package to be delivered – let’s make receiving post exciting again.