Prime Book Box Kids?

At the beginning of October, I was browsing Amazon and saw a banner ad for a program I hadn't heard of before: Prime Book Box Kids. I instantly clicked.

Amazon has tried to move into the subscription box marked before; most notably, with the Prime Sweets Box. Books seem like a more natural fit for Amazon.

Now I did try the Prime Sweets Box a few times. However, it had one huge drawback: you couldn't list any preferences or choose your sweets in any way. As I currently have braces, this meant a quarter to a third of each box I received I had to give away due to nuts, caramel, or other foods I'm not supposed to eat.

Amazon seems to have learned for Prime Book Box Kids. First, none of the books in your box will be ones you've previously purchased on Amazon. Second, you'll have a number of alternate choices to choose from if you aren't interested or already own one of the choices in your box. That freedom to make sure you get what you want is a nice bonus. I do like my subscription boxes a surprise, but not too much of a surprise.

You can also adjust the frequency to every 1-, 2-, or 3-months and you can skip boxes. Both are good options for further flexibility. (More is listed in the FAQ.)

The price is a little rich for my blood. Each box is $22.99 (including shipping) and includes two hardcover books (for the older age ranges) or four board books (for the babies). Amazon promises each will be at least 35% off list price and no more expensive than it would be on the site. So it is a deal, but personally, I prefer paperbacks, and not just for the price point. Especially for children's books, where they can go through a large quantity. $11.50 isn't bad for one book, but it's more than a paperback.

I do think it is a good idea, and bet a lot of families will love it. It might make a good gift during the Christmas season.

Are any of you subscribed to a book box?

Amazon Trolling?

Like most book bloggers, I crosspost my reviews to Amazon.  Today I noticed that four of my mini-reviews (posted here on Friday) had been commented on.  It's rare that one of my reviews gets a comment, much less four, so I went ahead and clicked over to each review.

First I read this comment on my review of THE VICIOUS DEEP:

"Horrible book...and mermaids are fiction, just like the moon landing."

Now that's just hilarious.  I laughed a little then went on to the next comment, figuring it would be something silly too.  The next one I read was left on SERAPHINA.

"I can't believe you gave this book 5 stars.  With its graphic references and violence, it is not suitable for children.  Peddling this smut to children is the same as peddling them cigarettes."

I still found this one funny, although I began to worry that dear Stefan Buckman might be serious.  Strangely, there are actually people who think like that.  But considering SERAPHINA isn't graphically violent or sexy, I assume the comment is parody.

Next comes this headscratcher on my review of OF POSEIDON:

"This book did not end abruptly, and your review is misleading on the product.  Emma spurns Galen's advances, as she should because he is a tyrannical jerk, and then she singlehandedly slays the acid-spewing chimera.  Bam!  Resolution."

This one is odd because it sounds like an actual comment on the book, but isn't even close to what happens.  So for those who haven't read the book, don't fear that you've just been spoiled.  There are no chimeras involved.

Finally, I clicked over to my review of ENCHANTED, curious to see what Stefan Buckman had to say this time.  But it wasn't Stefan Buckman!

"Liviania told me if I didn't leave a good review she would kill my family so i really liked this book"

And I don't even know what to do with that.  It's creepy, not funny.  I suppose I could deny the allegation.  In case it needs to be said, I have never threatened anyone to review a book well, and anyone includes William D Buckman and his family.  (Which I suppose would include Stefan Buckman?)  Aside from that, I just don't know.

But now I'm curious.  Have any of ya'll ever been trolled on Amazon?  What's the strangest comment you've received on a review?