OwlCrate JR Book Box Review + Coupon – March 2018

OwlCrate JR is a monthly book subscription box for kids aged 8-12. They send books as well as interesting and educational book related items.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About OwlCrate JR

The Subscription Box: OwlCrate JR

The Cost: $27.99 a month + shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021

The Products: You will receive (1) hardcover middle grade book plus assorted gender neutral book-related items.

Ships to: U.S. for $6.99, Canada for $10.59, and International for $19.99

OwlCrate JR March 2018 Review

An info card was included listing each item in the box as well as the theme for March: I Wish.

Granted by John David Anderson – Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $11.72)

The author creates a magical world of fairies living amongst humans and gives a unique perspective on wishes in this book. His descriptions of the world in which the fairies live are very vivid and the way in which they live is in explained in great detail with a little bit of humor to it. The main character, Ophelia, a fairy, is very likable and it was easy for me to find myself drawn into her world.

The premise of the book is that Ophelia is a Granter which means she is able to make wishes come true, however, she has never had a chance to do this before. This story describes her first time being assigned a wish to grant and how she has to navigate through the unfamiliar human world in order to do this. It’s a unique story that I’ve enjoyed reading.

This is my first OwlCrate JR box, but it looks like these pieces are standard in every box which is pretty cool. There is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author, John David Anderson, about his book. This makes it such a personal experience for me and as a kid, I think I would have found it pretty special.

This is a card that helps you figure out your fairy name. It gives an explanation for how and why each part of the name is chosen. I liked the interesting way it was presented through color and text. My fairy name would be Bryn Orchid Stalwart in case you’re wondering.

Evie Bookish Tassel Bookmark - Estimated Value $2.50 (based on the cost of similar items on her site)

This bookmark was designed exclusively by Evie Bookish for OwlCrate JR’s March box. From OwlCrate JR:

Evie is a long standing member of our book community, known for bringing her love of all things bookish into her beautiful artwork.

I love that the colors go along with the colors on the book cover and that it has a fitting Cinderella quote on it. The illustrations are adorable and there is so much detail in this little piece of artwork!

Gloco Candles Rainbow Moments 24 count Birthday Candles - Retail Value $1.62

This pack of neon spiral paraffin candles in green, pink, orange and purple are bright and will make great additions to a birthday cake! They fit well with the theme of making wishes.

New York Puzzle Company Flower Fairies 100 piece Mini Puzzle: Horned Poppy - Retail Value $8.95 (found here for $6.95)

I think it is such a cute idea to include a puzzle in the box. It’s always fun to have an activity to accompany a book, and the mini size of this makes it easy to take anywhere. The print itself is very pretty and I love the colors. It is also very fitting considering the main character is a fairy herself.

Fizzy Fairy Apothecary Genie in a Bath Bomb - Estimated Value $5.50 (based on similar products)

This is another exclusive item just for OwlCrate JR. The sticker lists the ingredients and use by date and describes the smell as “sweet, fruity cereal in milk.” It really does smell as described. I love that it came in the fancy blue velvet pouch, it somehow felt a little bit more magical that way.

Genie Lamp Button - Estimated Value $1.00 (I am estimating this on the lower end of what button pins cost on Etsy since OwlCrate JR seems to work with a lot of independent artists).

This is a cute button that again follows the theme of making a wish, but this time in the form of a Genie lamp!

Alex Clauss Make a Wish Sticker - Estimated Value $2.00 (I am estimating based on prices I have seen for stickers by artists on Etsy).

This looks like it was a sticker specifically designed for OwlCrate JR by a freelance artist named Alex Clauss. I really like the style of this sticker; I think it’s playful and his artistic style is pretty unique. This time the "I Wish" theme is reflected in the use of a wishbone in the design.

APRIL THEME SPOILER:

The April OwlCrate JR theme will be Myth & Might. The book will let you experience Mythology like never before-complete with lots of laughs. Fans of Percy Jackson will love this adventure!

Verdict: I loved how all of the items in the box related to the themes in the story, but in different ways and styles. I especially like that OwlCrate JR seems to choose freelance artists or smaller, independent businesses to get their materials when they could just as easily go the Oriental Trading route! It seems that every piece is carefully designed or selected and really makes the box feel exclusive to the story and OwlCrate JR experience.

I estimate the total retail value of the box to be $38.56 ($31.29 with sale prices) and we paid $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping). I think that’s a pretty fair value for what we received considering a lot of items were exclusive to this box itself.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the April box.

Value Breakdown: At $34.98 for this box ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) here is what you are paying approximately per item:

• Book- $15.41
• Puzzle- $8.12
• Bath bomb- $4.99
• Button- $0.91
• Bookmark- $2.27
• Sticker- $1.81
• Candles- $1.47

Check out all of our Owl Crate Reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!

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What did you think of OwlCrate JR?