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 May 2018 Review
An info card was included listing each item in the box as well as the theme for May: Monster Mash.
Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain by Zac Gorman– Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $14.11)
This book is full of suspense that grips you from the start. Thisby Thestoop is an ordinary human living on Black Mountain and she is the gatekeeper for all sorts of monsters and horrible creatures that live here. She has a laundry list of daily chores such as feeding trolls and stabling nightmares. I really got into the book after the first few chapters and found it hard to put down.
Thisby is doing her daily chores when she comes to learn that a Royal Inspection is coming up, an event that has never occurred in her twelve years of living on the mountain. Then she learns that something has escaped from the Darkwell which she has also never known to happen. The promise of an adventure full of mystery and danger engage the reader as they dive into the grotesquely magical world of Nth.
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This month’s author, Zac Gorman, wrote a cute and humorous letter about the book just for readers. This makes it such a personal experience to me, and as a kid, I think I would have found it pretty special.
Melanie Demmer Book Monster Bookmark- Estimated Value $2.50 (based on similar items on Etsy)
I love the bright green on the front of this bookmark, it feels very monstery to me. I think the illustration on the back showing monsters engrossed in books is really cute.
This Thisby Thestoop mask came complete with instructions and a little piece of string to use for wearing it. I thought it was a creative touch to go along with the book.
Ooly Mini Monster Scented Highlighters - Retail Value $3.99
These are probably the cutest little markers I’ve ever seen! I thought these were such a fun addition to the box to fit in with the monster theme. The colors are nice and bright, the monster faces are adorable and even more fun, they are scented! They have a slanted tip and they color very smoothly.
Alex Clauss Where the Wild Things Are Tote Bag - Estimated Value $15.00 (based on similar items on Etsy)
This bag was designed exclusively for the box by Alex Clauss, an illustrative designer who has worked with OwlCrate Jr. before, most recently on the March box. I love the design of this bag! Where the Wild Things Are is a classic and the silhouette design with the beautiful quotes is such a subtle, yet, an obvious nod to the book. The sturdy canvas material and large size will make it a perfect new library bag for the kids and me to use.
Outset Media Goosebumps Card Game - Retail Value $10.95
What better way to incorporate monsters than with some classic Goosebumps characters! This monster vs. monster themed game is a fun activity that can be played with 2-6 players and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
This game features cards complete with pictures of notorious monsters such as the Abominable Snowman. From Amazon:
With popular titles like night of the living dummy and the scarecrow walks at Midnight, you'll enjoy reminiscing about the fun events that happened in each book or be inspired to read a new one.
Monster 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).
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme, this time it features a friendly little monster.
Book of Monsters Sticker - Estimated Value $2.00 (I am estimating based on prices I have seen for stickers by artists on Etsy).
Each box includes a sticker that is designed specifically for the box and matches the theme. I think this was designed by Serena Ferraro since that is the only listed item creator and I wasn’t able to locate online.
JUNE SPOILER:
The June OwlCrate JR theme will be Hidden Gems. The book provides a twist on a familiar tale that fans of Red, A Tale Dark and Grimm will appreciate!
Verdict: This was my favorite OwlCrate JR box so far, mostly because the items were somewhat nostalgic for me as a Gooesbumps and Maurice Sendak fan. The book itself was engaging, and the monster theme was really fun. I enjoyed the way that they incorporated the theme into this month’s 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 $52.43 and we paid $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping). I think that’s a great value for all of the fun items that we received this month!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the June box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021
Value Breakdown: At $34.98 for this box ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Book- $11.34
- Bookmark- $1.67
- Markers- $2.66
- Bag- $10.00
- Game- $7.31
- Button- $0.67
- Sticker- $1.33
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