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.
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 April 2018 Review
An info card was included listing each item in the box as well as the theme for April: Myth & Might.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi – Retail Value $16.99 (found on sale here for $11.72)
Aru is a young girl who lives above the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture and spends most of her time there helping her mother who runs the museum. Aru is desperate to fit in with her classmates and so she tells tales and little lies because she is often embarrassed by her own heritage. She gets caught in the middle of a lie when three students come to visit her at the museum over autumn break. She then gets pressured into showing off by lighting an ancient lamp which is said to wake the Sleeper, a demon who will set about bringing on the End of Time. Her family and classmates are all frozen in time and it is up to Aru to save them and the rest of the world.
The author creates such an engaging story immediately through the character of Aru. Any young adult reader can identify with her and her desire to fit in with her peers. Chokshi quickly draws you in with her descriptions of all the unique artifacts in the museum as told from Aru’s point of view. Then you are engaged in the excitement of Aru lighting the lamp and experiencing all sorts of magic. This story is so unique and interesting because of its exploration of Indian and Hindu culture and mythology. I think anyone who enjoys adventure and tales of heroes having to save the day will appreciate this story.
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This month’s author, Roshani Chokshi, writes a letter that tells a bit about the book and describes who she wrote this for. This makes it such a personal experience for me, and as a kid, I think I would have found it pretty special.
They included this little coloring sheet that has a word search about Norse Mythology on the back. Based on the style of the illustration, I believe this is by one of the featured artists from this month, Melophilus. This is a nice extra activity to include that ties into this month’s theme.
Stella Bookish Art Percy Jackson Pillow Sham- Retail Value $39.99
This pillow sham was designed exclusively by Stella Bookish Art for OwlCrate Jr.’s April box. From OwlCrate Jr.:
We have partnered up again with the incredibly talented Stella Bookish Art to create a super fun pillowcase inspired by Percy Jackson! We’ve been working with Stella quite a bit for the regular OwlCrate box, but this is our first time teaming up with OwlCrate Jr. Her items always receive amazing feedback from our members and we can’t wait to hear what you think about this high-quality pillowcase.
This was a really unique item to receive in a box and I love that it goes along with the book’s Sleeper demon. The pillow sham is soft, made from 100% microfiber, and while the color is a bit too bright for me, I think it will be nice for a kid’s bedroom.
Don’t Wake the Sleeper Eye Mask - Estimated Value $1.00 (Similar masks here, buy 10 for $8.49)
This looks like another exclusive OwlCrate Jr. item. I’m sure they purchased them in bulk and had them printed, so I am not estimating the value to be very high. I think this was such a cute idea for this book! The navy and gold match the book perfectly and it goes along with the idea of not waking the Sleeper from the story.
Akshay Varaham Ganesh, Lakshmi and Indra Pocket Mirror - Estimated Value $3.00
This little pocket mirror comes with its own bag to store it in and the back features the Hindu deities, Ganesh, Lakshmi, and Indra. Based on the style of the artwork, I believe it was designed by Anshan Varaham exclusively for this box. This was another unique way to incorporate the theme into something that is actually useful.
Ken Jennings’ Junior Genius Guides: Greek Mythology- Retail Value $7.99 (found on sale here for $6.98)
Receiving a second book felt like a bonus this month! I absolutely loved Greek Mythology in middle school and I think this was a perfect addition to this month’s box.The book itself is great, a really fun and easy way to learn about mythology.
Some of the pages feature some quick info on various gods and goddess, while the rest of the book breaks it down into short stories about them.
Owl Button - Estimated Value $1.00
This is a cute button that follows the theme of mythology by featuring the little owl with books and Greek accents. I wasn't able to find this exact button online so 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.
Taylor Price Romulus & Remus Sticker - Estimated Value $2.00
This looks like it was a sticker specifically designed for OwlCrate Jr. by artist Taylor Price- again I am guessing this based on the style of artwork on the site. Since I wasn't able to find this exact sticker online, I am estimating based on prices I have seen for stickers by artists on Etsy. The sticker depicts twin brothers from Roman mythology, Romulus & Remus, who were raised by a wolf.
Spoiler Alert:
The May OwlCrate Jr. theme will be Monster Mash. The book is based on creepy creatures that live underground- full of danger and of course, monsters! Fans of The Spiderwick Chronicles will appreciate this one!
Verdict: Something I always appreciate about OwlCrate Jr. is that they find a way to tie in the month’s theme into every item in the box. I also love that they choose freelance artists or smaller, independent businesses to get their materials. 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 $71.97 (although $39.99 for a pillowcase does seem really high to me) and we paid $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping). That’s a good value for this month’s box, especially since so many of the items were created exclusively for this box.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the May box.
Value Breakdown: At $34.98 for this box ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Book: $8.26
- Pillow Sham: $19.44
- Mask: $0.49
- Mirror: $1.46
- Mythology Book: $3.87
- Button: $0.49
- Sticker: $0.97
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