FAQ
WHAT is a picture book?
Picture books are children's books in which illustrations and words work together to tell the story. They are also a child's introduction to literature, to art, and to the world itself.
WHAT IS the PICTURE BOOK club?
It is the vehicle through which one lifelong devotee of the picture book form (that would be me) sends her favorite books out into the world. You can read more about me at the bottom of this page.
When I first started The Picture Book Club, I thought it would behoove me to imply that there was a large team of us working in a gleaming office tower to get your books out. But the truth is that TPBC has always been a one-woman show. This means that sometimes I’m running behind, and sometimes I make mistakes, and almost always I’m bad at social media (but you should still follow me there!). This also means that each book has been chosen, wrapped, and shipped by someone who really, really cares. Thank you for bearing with me!
WHy should i trust you to surprise me with books?
It is a leap of faith, isn't it? And I certainly can't guarantee that everyone will like every book I pick. Here's what I can tell you:
(1) I read hundreds and hundreds of picture books every month. Many of them are perfectly fine. Those aren't the ones I'm interested in. I want the ones with sparks of magic.
(2) The books I pick have different sensibilities and aesthetics but they have all delighted, surprised, inspired, or moved me in some way.
(3) The books I pick have all been vetted by real live children (three of whom I conveniently gave birth to). Their responses count for a lot.
(4) It makes me especially happy to send out books that many people aren't likely to have discovered on their own. So I'm not going to include a book like Goodnight, Moon or Where the Wild Things Are because, wonderful as those are, most people will find their way to them without me.
WHAT AGE IS A PICTURE BOOK CLUB SUBSCRIPTION APPROPRIATE FOR?
I can generally customize a subscription for a child between 0-7 years old. Some of the themed subscriptions are appropriate for kids up to around age 9.
WHAT IF I ALREADY OWN A BOOK YOU’VE SENT?
If you already own a copy of a book you receive, let me know and I'll send you a special discount coupon you can apply to a renewal or gift subscription.
If you have a custom subscription, you can use the order form to list the picture books you currently own or send me photos of the books in your bookshelves so I will know to avoid those.
Please note that The Picture Book Club does not accept returns.
HOW SOON AFTER an order is placed will the FIRST BOOK arrive?
Generally, the first book of a subscription should arrive within about 4-6 weeks of you order. If you need it to arrive sooner, note that in the customization form or use the contact form at the bottom of this page. I am almost always able to get books out quickly enough to arrive for a special occasion; just let me know what your needs are.
Please note that, as a gift giver, you will receive an email confirmation when the first book ships, not when each subsequent book ships.
can i have the first book in a gift subscription sent to me so i can give it in person at a birthday party/baby shower/holiday gathering?
Absolutely! Just note this on the order form when you check out. The first book will be sent to you and subsequent books in the subscription will be sent directly to the recipient.
does the picture book club ship internationally?
At the moment, Picture Book Club subscriptions only ship to U.S. addresses.
how do i change the mailing address of my subscription?
Use the Contact form at the bottom of the site to send me your new address. If you have created an account, please do NOT change your address by updating the information there. I can’t access that information so, unless you reach out to me directly, I won’t know about the new address.
STILL WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PERSON PICKING YOUR BOOKS?
I founded The Picture Book Club after working as an editor, a writer, and a lawyer. For what it's worth (and, in this context, the answer is definitely not much!), I have a B.A. from Harvard in English Literature and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
More importantly, I have loved picture books for as long as I can remember. Many of my most vivid and cherished childhood memories are of the illustrations and narratives of my favorite books. Now that I have children of my own, one of my favorite things about being a mother is getting to read picture books with the kids tucked into the crooks of my arms, discovering worlds with each other. It is perhaps the most sublime form of bonding I know -- a "pure transfer of love," as my son's nursery school teacher once put it.
still have a question?
Use the Contact form at the bottom of the site to get in touch.