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 DEAL: Use coupon code SUMMEROWL to save 20% off a 3 or 6-month subscription to OwlCrate Jr!
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 September 2018 Review
An info card was included listing the items in the box as well as the theme for September: Ghosts and Ghoulies. I love the illustrations!
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab – Retail Value $17.99 (found here for $12.32)
This story is about a girl named Cassidy who seems to straddle the line between the living and the dead. After being saved from a near-death experience by a ghost named Jacob, the act seems to have left them both somewhere in the middle with her having the ability to see ghosts and Jacob being able to communicate with her and read her thoughts. They have become best friends and spend all of their time together, and sometimes Cassidy lifts the “veil” and explores the ghosts around her, which can be both exciting and scary. Just when she is expecting to finally have a break from all of her ghost-seeing, her parents, who are paranormal investigators, get their own tv show exploring the most haunted cities beginning with Edinburgh, Scotland; the city of ghosts. This is where things begin to get a bit more complicated and scary.
I am really enjoying this book and Schwab definitely has a way with words. While most of the text is pretty simple overall, there were a few times in the book that I just loved the way she phrased things! I like her style of writing a lot and I think this will be a great read for the intended audience. Who wouldn’t love a ghost best friend?
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This month we even got a poster to go along with it. Isn't the design so haunting? The note from Victoria Schwab warns us that the book is a bit scary, but she also notes that a book is "the best place to be afraid." I love how she eases the minds of readers here!
This month, we received something new- this little booklet that goes along with our theme. It features an interview with both the author and one of the artists as well as a few activities for readers. This is a wonderful addition to the box and I hope it's a permanent one!
They also included some information on a photo challenge they are having as well as information on an upcoming Owlbabble with the author. Fun!
Crafted Van Magnetic Ghost Bookmark - Estimated Value $3
How cute is this magnetic ghost bookmark? I love the way his little eyes pop out over the book as he marks your spot!
Erin Gibbs Ghost Hunter Iron on Patch - Estimated Value $2 (based on ghost patches on Etsy!)
This is our ghost hunter's merit badge and it's in the form of an iron on patch. This is a great design and was made exclusively for OwlCrate Jr. by artist Erin Gibbs who is featured in the above booklet.
Stickii Happy Halloween Stickers - Estimated Value $2.50 (Based on the price for two sheets)
These stickers are the perfect blend of spooky and cute. They fit in so nicely with the theme and will be great for some Halloween crafts next month. Plus they have a monthly sticker subscription and OwlCrate Jr. subscribers received 20% off their first month.
Disney Funko Pocket Pop Keychain: The Nightmare Before Christmas - Retail Value $5.95
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a favorite movie in our house so I was very excited to see this. Of course, I was hoping for Sally or Jack or someone more recognizable, but we received the Vampire Teddy. He's still very cute and eery and I love that it is on a keychain!
Even better, the key ring comes off! I'm sure this little guy will become a toy for my kiddos, but an older kid could attach it to their bookbag!
National Geographic Funny Fill-In Book - Retail Value $4.99
This is basically a National Geographic version of Mad Libs that is much more detailed! It features color pages and has fun facts thrown throughout.
In the beginning, there is a little refresher on the parts of speech and then there is one page for you to write your answers so you don't spoil the story and then you can add them to the fill in the blank side of the page. These have always been so much fun for me and I think it's so fun to have a haunted house version!
Veep Doodles Trick or Treat Tote Bag - Estimated Value $15 (I am estimating based on other bags found on Etsy!)
What a wonderful surprise to receive this incredibly cute tote bag this month! I love that the design fills the whole face of the bag and that each side features a different design. The detail and colors are great and this will make such a perfect trick-or-treating bag for this year and probably for a few years to come! This was on my list of things to pick up at the store, but this exclusive design is so much better!
Ghost Button - Estimated Value $1.00
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme and I love this friendly little ghost! 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.
OCTOBER SPOILER:
The October OwlCrate JR theme will be Mail Call. Normally, we just receive the card with the spoiler, but this month they also included the spoiler in the back of the little booklet we received. This theme is definitely intriguing and all I can think of are the owls delivering mail at Hogwarts!
Verdict: OwlCrate JR is intended for kids aged 8-12, but I have so much fun receiving this box as an adult! The curation is always amazing and this month is no exception! They incorporated the theme in such fun ways and had a great mix of cute and creepy, which is perfect for this age group. That bag is amazing, the Fill-In book is so fun, and I love that they gave us something from one of my favorite Halloween movies! I also love using my new little ghost bookmark. I estimate the total retail value of the box to be $51.48 and we paid $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping). This is an awesome value for such a fun and unique box!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the October box.
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use coupon code SUMMEROWL to save 20% off a 3 or 6-month subscription to OwlCrate Jr!
Value Breakdown: At $34.98 for this box ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Book- $12.22
- Bookmark- $2.04
- Patch- $1.36
- Stickers- $1.70
- Keychain- $3.40
- Fill-In Book- $3.39
- Bag- $10.19
- Button- $0.68
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