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OwlCrate Jr. Book Subscription Box Review + Coupon – April 2017

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Box

OwlCrate
4.5 overall rating
35 Ratings | 6 Reviews

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.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Box-Inside

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Review

The Subscription Box: OwlCrate Jr

The Cost: $27.99 a month, $80.97/3-month pre-pay, $155.94/6-month pre-pay. Plus $6.99 USPS flat-rate shipping, $10.59 shipping to Canada, and $19.99 shipping International.

The Products:  You will receive (1) hardcover middle grade book plus assorted gender neutral book-related items.

Ships to: U.S., Canada, and International

Check out all of our Owl Crate Reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Booklet

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An info card was included listing each item in the box as well as the theme for April: Written in the Stars.

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OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Opening-Page

The Star Thief by Lindsey Becker - Value $9.65 on Amazon (retail price $16.99)

Honorine has grabbed me right from the first chapter as a heroine I want to journey with. She’s tough and sassy and I can’t wait to see where this story leads.

From Amazon:

The constellations come to life in this imaginative fantasy adventure debut.

Honorine's life as a maid at the Vidalia mansion is rather dull, dusting treasures from faraway places and daydreaming in front of maps of the world. But everything changes when she catches two brutish sailors ransacking Lord Vidalia's study, and then follows a mysterious girl with wings out into the night....

Suddenly, Honorine is whisked into the middle of a battle between the crew of a spectacular steamship and a band of mythical constellations. The stars in the sky have come to life to defend themselves against those who want to harness their powers. Much to her surprise, Honorine is the crux of it all, the center of an epic clash between magic and science, the old ways and the new. But can this spirited young girl bring both sides of a larger-than-life fight together before they unleash an evil power even older than the stars?

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Autograph

The Star Thief bookmark and an autographed bookplate were included which can be placed inside the book.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Letter

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Author, Lindsey Becker, included a letter about her inspiration for writing the book. On the reverse side of the letter is the gorgeous cover artwork. This could be hung as a poster or even framed. It’s stunning.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Pad

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OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Pad3

Mudpuppy Constellations Lenticular Notepad - Value $7.19

This 120-page notebook features a very cool lenticular cover which changes depending on how the light hits it. Different constellations appear and each page also has a small constellation in the lower corner.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Star-Finder

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Star-Finder2

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Pocket Star Finder - Value $6.45

This pocket-sized star finder is a great way to help your child begin to recognize the different constellations. It’s meant for the Northern Hemisphere showing constellations over North America, Europe, and Asia. This is a great accompaniment to the book this month and fun for budding stargazers.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Button

OwlCrate Jr. Button - Value $0.50?

This button features a NASA-like logo which fits the space theme this month.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Zipper-Pull

Outer Space Zipper Pull - Value $0.50?

This darling zipper pull has constellations and brightly colored planets (some with smiling faces). My son immediately clipped it to his backpack zipper.

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Pen

Star Pen - Value $1.00?

This star ballpoint pen says the April theme “Written in the Stars” on the side. I like that they included a pen with the notebook.

May Spoiler Alert!

OwlCrate-Jr-April-2017-Spoiler

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The May OwlCrate Jr. theme will be: On the Case. This box features a hilariously thrilling mystery. I love mysteries and I’m so excited to see what book they pick!

Verdict: What a great box geared for middle-grade readers. I’m constantly on the hunt for excellent new middle-grade books to promote to my 3rd-5th-grade students and this box will keep me filled with new releases to read and share. I thought the curation was so much fun and I’m eager for upcoming months’ themes. The value this month was around $25 which is less than the cost of the box (using Amazon book pricing). I think that OwlCrate Jr has wonderful curation but should consider adding a couple higher value extras to increase their overall box value.

What did you think of OwlCrate Jr?

Starting at $32.99
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OwlCrate is a monthly subscription box for people who love Young Adult literature. Every month they send you a highly anticipated new YA release, as well as 3-5 bookish items (such as fandom jewelry, collectible toys, bookmarks, and more!). Each box will also include exclusive content from authors a... read more.
Jessica Telesmanich
Jessica Telesmanich
Jessica's addiction started off slowly enough with Birchbox, but it has grown and grown over the last three years. An elementary school librarian and mom of two she loves boxes that are child-centric. But she'll never turn down a good fashion, beauty or tasty treat subscription.

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4 comments

Tanya

This one looks so much better than last month! I’ll keep my eye on this one and the Lit Joy Jr.

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Ariana

Hey Jessica – I am curious if you would recommend this box for a 1st grader that is a higher reader (she’s already read us Wimpy Kid books, and enjoys them)? She seems to enjoy chapter books of any kind that she gets her hands on. She’s also jealous of the sub boxes my husband and I get…

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Jessica

Hi Ariana,
As a librarian I think this Box is advanced for first grade both with the length of texts being selected and the themes. There are other book subscriptions that might be better suited to her age, but of course you know your child best.
I always tell the parents at my school not to rush into books that are advanced with their subject matter. There are so many fabulous titles and series geared to that age group you don’t want her to miss out on reading!
Best of luck whatever you choose and I’m so glad to hear she wants to read!
Best, Jessica

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Carolyn

What book series is geared to 3 rd grade girls😀???