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.
FYI – COVID-19 Updates: You can find OwlCrate shipping updates right here.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (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: The US for $7.99, Canada for $9.99, and International for $19.99
OwlCrate Jr June 2020 "Magic in Bloom" Review
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This month our theme is "Magic in Bloom" and we received this magazine which highlights all of our items. It also includes an interview with the author, a creativity corner with a fun paper flower project, and some information on their monthly photo challenge.
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The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman - Retail Value $17.99
It looks like our book this month is a pre-release that is signed by the author! How magical is this cover?
Piper is expecting a boring, uneventful summer stuck at her grandmother's old run-down mansion (so run down that the neighborhood kids believe her to be a witch) and she is worried about being away from her father who is battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. She has mixed feelings about seeing her mother again who now lives with her grandmother after abandoning her as a young child. When she arrives she is surprised, hurt, and confused to find that her mother has been fostering several children, which is quite the shock. Even more shocking, these kids claim to have certain magical affinities and were taken in so that they could assist Piper's mother in recovering a magical elixir. While Piper isn't so sure she believes them, she is excited at the possibility that this elixir might just be able to save her father. The author tells the story through the eyes of a child and uses vivid descriptions of the surroundings which make it feel magical and wondrous. I am enjoying uncovering all of the secrets of Mallory Estate and seeing how all of these complex relationships develop!
From Amazon:
Mallory Estate is the last place twelve-year-old Piper Peavey wants to spend her summer vacation. The grounds are always cold, the garden out back is dead, a mysterious group of children call the property home, and there’s a rumor that Melena M. Mallory—the owner of the estate and Piper’s wealthy grandmother—is a witch.
But when Piper’s father falls ill, Mallory Estate is exactly where she finds herself.
The grand house and its garden hold many secrets—some of which may even save her father—and Piper will need to believe in herself, her new friends, and magic if she wants to unlock them before it’s too late.
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In each box, there is a letter from the author which is such a sweet, personal touch!
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Puffin Classics: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodges Burnett - Retail Value $6.99
This month we received a second book, and this one is a classic! It's a really cute little size, too (swipe for comparison to this month's book size) and I'm excited to have this to read to my daughter one day. This was a favorite story of mine as a child and it seems like such a fitting book for this month's theme!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Tea
It's always a treat when we get some tea from Riddle's Tea Shoppe! This fun Fire Flower Power-Up blend features the cute classic Mario flower and it's a decaf blend with Ceylon and Rooibos tea flavored with cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and marigold flowers to name a few!
I thought it was yummy and I mostly got apple and rooibos with cinnamon and just a hint of vanilla!
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Dandelion Pen
This dandelion pen is so cute and unique and fun to write with. It reminds me of Horton Hears a Who!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Mandrake Woodmark
This wooden bookmark is very thin and features some incredibly cute mandrakes. They are all ready for Herbology Club thanks to Mandrake of the Month Club's adorable design!
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Crystal Growing Cherry Tree - Retail Value $10.99
How fun! With this little kit, we can grow our own little crystal cherry tree. This kit includes everything we need along with a stand and some instructions. It's non-toxic and safe for ages 6 and up.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Sticker
Each box includes a collectible sticker that fits with the monthly theme. What a sweet little design this month courtesy of Erin Gibbs!
Verdict: This month's OwlCrate Jr theme was fun and sweet. I loved all of the beautiful blooms throughout the box and it's always nice to receive two books! There was a good mix of exclusively designed items like the bookmark, tea, and sticker with some great retail items like the cherry tree, pen, and books! The total retail values of our two books and the cherry tree kit come to $35.97 which is just one penny shy of our box cost of $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping). Since that doesn't include the bookmark, tea, sticker, or pen, I'd say the value is definitely there this month!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you'll get the July box—and there's no waitlist at the time of publication!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021
Value Breakdown: This box costs $27.99 + $7.99 shipping. We received 7 items, meaning each item has an average value of about $5.14.
Check out all of our OwlCrate reviews and the best subscription boxes for kids!
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