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.
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: US for $7.99, Canada for $10.59, and International for $19.99
OwlCrate JR March 2019 "Birds of a Feather" Review
We received this info card, which gives some information on the items in the box as well as the theme for March: Birds of a Feather.
The most recent addition to our boxes is this little mini-zine. This issue features an interview with the author, a subscriber feature and a fun guide to drawing a parrot. The last page features information about their photo challenge contest.
The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo – Retail Value $17.99 (found here for $12.32)
This story is unique in that it is told from three very different perspectives and one of them is from the point of view of a bird. Alastair is an African Grey parrot who was born in a pet store along with his sister Aggie. He is very protective of her and almost from birth he has been planning their escape. Alastair loves to read (and also eat) books so he knows that a pet store is not where they belong. He is a determined bird and reading from his perspective as he communicates with the other animals in the pet store is certainly out of the ordinary and fun! The second perspective is that of Fritz who is a young boy and an aspiring doctor that works in the pet store and takes care of these two parrots. He has good intentions, but he completely foils Alastair's plans when he eventually saves up enough money to buy Aggie. The third perspective is told through the letters that Alberta Plopko writes to her deceased husband. She is somewhat lonely, but also quite a character and she might be the only person who can really be a match for Alastair's grumpy temperament. She ends up taking him home with her and all the while, Alastair never gives up planning his escape, once he's rescued his sister, of course.
I thought this book was fun and I liked the mix of characters and the storytelling from these unique perspectives. I thought the characters were very well developed and I loved that each had their own writing style to suit their personalities, whether it be Alberta's letters, Fritz's medical journal entries or Alastair's poems.
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. I love how the author emphasizes Alastair's love of books, and most specifically, eating them.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Birds - Retail Value $12.99 (found here for $9.09)
This book was really impressive and perfect for my kids who are currently obsessed with the movie Rio (really, a bird-themed box could not have come at a better time in our house!). This book is a great size for carrying around to identify different birds and it features full-color photos and an abundance of information. The first page gives some advice before you begin exploring.
There are pages of detailed information about many different birds along with some pages that highlight birds with some unique traits and it even contains an index and a quick bird guide in the back. This is a great book to own if your kids have any interest in birds at all. In this box, it feels like an awesome bonus!
Flamingo Gel Pen - Estimated Value $3 (based on a similar pen found here)
What better way to take notes on all the birds we discover than with this cute flamingo pen? This has a super fine tip and writes very smoothly!
Ooly Tropical Birds Scented Stickers - Retail Value $4.99
These tropical bird stickers are so nice and bright and they are actually really big. The designs are all really cute and I love the punny phrases! Not only are they cute, but they also smell like sweet pineapples! I thought this was a perfect addition to our box.
Fiesta Small Stuffed Snowy Owl - Retail Value $4.99
This cute little plush owl is perfect for our theme and very on brand for this box! It's totally cute, but I'm just wondering how younger subscribers might feel about getting this in their box. Would an 8-12 year old like this? I'm curious to know! Obviously, it was a huge hit in my house since my oldest is four.
Silver Parrot Keychain - Estimated Value $4 (I found a few of these listed on Etsy, but pricing was inconsistent so I went somewhere in the middle!)
This keychain has a nice weight to it and is really very pretty. It goes so well with our featured book for this month!
Parrot Button - Estimated Value $1?
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme, and this one is a pretty design that fits in perfectly!
APRIL THEME SPOILER:
Next month's OwlCrate JR theme will be "Crack the Code" and involves solving clues to uncover a mystery. I can't wait to see what fun items they include to match the theme.
Verdict: This month's OwlCrate JR box was so bright and fun! The book was really unique and the bird-themed items to go along with it were great. This box didn't have as much of an exclusive feel as others in the past, but I think the value was much higher at $48.96 for this $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping) box. I really love the bird field guide and thought it was a fantastic inclusion in this month's box. As usual, the curation was great and so creative and I was happy with everything they sent!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of publication, the March box is still available for purchase!
Coupon - Save 10% on your order with code JRCRATEJOY
Value Breakdown: This box costs $27.99 + $7.99 shipping so here is what you are paying approximately for each item:
- The Simple Art of Flying: $13.22
- Bird Field Guide: $9.55
- Pen: $2.20
- Stickers: $3.67
- Plush Owl: $3.67
- Keychain: $2.94
- Button: $0.73
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