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: US for $6.99, Canada for $10.59, and International for $19.99
OwlCrate JR February 2019 "Lost & Found" Review
We received this info card, which gives some information on the items in the box as well as the theme for February: Lost & Found.
The most recent addition to our boxes is this little mini-zine. It features an interview with the author, a crossword puzzle, and an interview with one of this month's vendors. The last page features information about their photo challenge contest.
The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu – Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $11.72)
The Lost Girl is the story of twin sisters Iris and Lark who are incredibly close and practically inseparable. The story starts slowly and has an ominous tone as you get to know the twins and explore their relationship with one another. While they look alike and are incredibly close they are very different and Iris has taken on the role of caretaker to Lark who is very shy and introverted. Now they are being forced to go their separate ways by having different teachers in fifth grade after always being in the same class and neither of them is very happy about it. While the twins are dealing with their separation, mysterious things begin to happen around them such as an antique shop opening up with a peculiar sign in front of it, and all around town things begin to go missing. Some are as small as Lark's bracelet, but others are impossibly large such as the famous Claes Oldenburg Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and even a beluga whale from the zoo. There also seems to be a mysterious crow hanging around that Iris is very suspicious of. As tensions begin to mount between the girls, Iris begins spending more time at the creepy antique shop which turns out to be much more than they expected.
This book is not as fast paced as others we have received in the past, but the author spends so much time developing the relationships and personalities of the characters that you really begin to see the story through their eyes. It's a fun change and a good read for middle-grade readers who are learning how to be themselves amongst their peers.
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This one is nice and colorful and we even received a fun mini booklet with some mazes inside.
Where's Waldo Games on the Go! - Retail Value $12.99
I love Where's Waldo!? and I think this is such a fun item to include in a Lost & Found themed box! While I would have been happy with a traditional Waldo book, this one is even better with so many pages full of puzzles and activities. It also has a nice elastic strap to keep it closed when not in use. It's a smaller size, too, which makes it great for travel and car rides.
There are word searches, word scrambles, spot the differences and even a fold-out board game tucked away in a pocket inside the back cover. So much fun to be had!
Tassel Bookmark - Estimated Value 1?
This bookmark is a great choice for any avid reader. The front reads "Lost in a book" while the back reads "found between the pages."
Remembrall Bath Bomb by Whipped Up Wonderful - Estimated Value $7.50 (based on similar bath bombs on their site)
This Remembrall-inspired bath bomb was made exclusively for OwlCrate Jr. and is from the vendor featured in our booklet interview. It smells fruity with a hint of tartness and is so pretty with its bright red color and bits of gold sparkle. A perfect reminder to relax!
LOTR-inspired Wall Hanging - Estimated Value $10 (based on this similar style, although I saw some that looked similar that were $25 and $35, so I could be estimating really low!)
This canvas wall hanging is well made and such a nice size. It's small enough to fit anywhere, but just the right size to catch your eye. I think the script is beautiful and this line from the Lord of the Rings is a perfect bit of inspiration that goes right along with our theme.
Here is it hanging up. The neutral color will definitely make it easy to fit in with almost any home decor.
Maze Button - Estimated Value $1?
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme, and this one features the same maze design that was found on our booklet and contents card.
March SPOILER:
Next month's OwlCrate JR theme will be "Birds of a Feather," and will feature a story told through the eyes of some unique characters. I have a feeling there will be an owl or two!
Verdict: This "Lost & Found" OwlCrate JR box was a fun one! I liked that this story was a bit different than some we have received in the past in that it really explored the emotions and feelings of the characters instead of just being action packed. It was a slower pace, but still a great read and perfect for the intended age group. I also appreciated all of the exclusive items that came along with the book. The Waldo book is great and will provide a lot of entertainment, but as an adult, I think my favorite item is the wall hanging. It might be a bit mature for a kid, but I think the sentiment is great and it could easily hang on a bedroom door or in a reading nook. There were so many exclusive items that the value is hard to estimate, but the retail value of just the book, bath bomb, and Waldo book is over the $34.98 ($27.99 + $6.99 shipping) cost of the box at $37.48. We also received so many other items such as the bookmark, maze book, button, and signed bookplate, so I think the value is there for such a fun curation of exclusive items to go along with our theme!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the March box.
Coupon - Save 10% on your order with code JRCRATEJOY
Value Breakdown: This box costs $27.99 + $6.99 shipping, which means that each of the 6 items in the box has an average cost of $5.83.
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