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.
LIMITED TIME DEALS: Use coupon code SUMMEROWL to save 20% off a 3 or 6-month subscription to OwlCrate Jr! Or, use coupon code INSTAGEM to save 10% off your first box!
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 June 2018 Review
An info card was included listing the items in the box as well as the theme for June: Hidden Gems.
Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White & the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff – Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $$12.10)
I love the idea of gaining a new perspective on a classic tale! This book tells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves from the perspective of Grumpy, or in this case, Grump. In a world where Dwarves live underground and eat rocks and gemstones for food, Grump was born a little too close to the Surface. He is unlike the other dwarves in that he has a fear of depths and longs to go above ground where the humans live, which is a dangerous place for a dwarf. This novel is an easy read and I think it would actually make for a fun read aloud with younger kids as well. The book was engaging from the beginning with all of the detailed descriptions of what dwarf life is like and the building of excitement is gradually more enticing with each new event that unfolds.
From Amazon:
At first, life aboveground is a dream come true. Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) is the best friend Grump always wanted, feeding him all the rubies he can eat and allowing him to rule at her side in exchange for magic and information. But as time goes on, Grump starts to suspect that Queen E.V.I.L. may not be as nice as she seems. . .
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This month’s author, Liesl Shurtliff, wrote such a light, fun letter to readers, which is very indicative of her writing style. The inclusion of these letters always makes it such a personal experience to me, and as a kid, I think I would have found it pretty special. There was also a cute card that told me that my fate stone is a sapphire, which is a reference to the book.
They included this coloring sheet that folds into a 3D gem. This was a cute way to get creative with the theme.
Leeloo Soap Ravishing Ruby Crystal Soap - Estimated Value $7.50 (based on similar items in their Etsy shop)
I love that this soap has a little bit of shimmer to it and the faceted edges to make it look like our very own ruby. I did not pick up any scent at all with this soap, but it left my skin feeling clean and not too dry thanks to the oils it contains!
Funko Pint Size Heroes Snow White Vinyl Figure - Retail Value $4.99 (found here for $3.76)
They are always so creative with the way they find items to fit the theme! This is such a great way to incorporate a character from the story into the box without breaking the bank since it’s a Disney character. It was also pretty fun to be surprised by which character we received. The witch probably wouldn’t have been my first choice, but she’s super cute and detailed. My kids have already stolen her to play with.
GeoCentral Break Your Own Moroccan Geode Kit - Estimated Value $2.00 (based on similar kits found online)
This was a really fun idea! Although I think I may have smashed our geode a bit too hard. The inside was beautiful and sparkly and I love this pretty little bag it came in that we can keep to store our precious gemstones inside!
Geocentral Rockin’ Discoveries Crystals Kit - Estimated Value $6.99 (based on this website)
This little kit actually had a lot of materials in it: an activity book, a mini magnifying glass, 5 crystals and a little bag to keep them in. This was another fun way to incorporate the theme into the box.
Gemstone 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. I love the colors of this gemstone button!
JULY SPOILER:
The July OwlCrate JR theme will be True Calling. The book will be a fantasy adventure that fans of Percy Jackson and Trollhunters will especially enjoy!
Verdict: This was another great OwlCrate JR box! I really enjoyed the book and I thought all of the different gemstone activities were really fun and had a great educational aspect. They always do such a great job at curating these boxes and finding cute and fun ways to highlight the theme. This box felt a little different than their usual style of choosing items from small businesses, but I think that it was necessary in order to really make the most out of this month’s theme. I estimate the total retail value of the box to be $39.47 and we paid $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping). This is a little bit lower than the usual value of this box, but still over what we paid, so I think it’s fair value. This is one of those boxes that consistently gives quality items, so a lower value like this once in awhile doesn’t bother me at all.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the July box.
Coupons: Use coupon code SUMMEROWL to save 20% off a 3 or 6-month subscription to OwlCrate Jr! Or, use coupon code INSTAGEM to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $34.98 for this box ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Book- $15.06
- Soap- $6.65
- Funko- $4.42
- Geode- $1.77
- Crystals- $6.19
- Button- $0.89
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