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 May 2019 "Rebels and Rule Breakers" Review
This month's theme is "Rebels & Rule Breakers" and our box has some fun nods to some great rebels! This card details some of the items we received in our box.
Each month they send a little magazine that features an interview with the author. This month they also have a crossword puzzle and even an interview with an OwlCrate Jr Rep, which is a fun change from the vendors and artists they usually feature. The last page offers information about their photo challenge contest.
The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin - Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $11.72)
This story is actually about a girl named Caitlyn who has recently moved and is just starting seventh grade at a new school, coincidentally, on the same day a beloved classmate, Paulie, seems to have disappeared from town. This is not just a regular public school but is instead a school started by the town with an original class of ten kids who began in kindergarten and have been together since then, with the exception of Paulie, who didn't start until fourth grade. While it is hard enough being the new kid, Caitlyn is also adapting to this new style of schooling and the fact that everyone is preoccupied with the disappearance of Paulie, who everyone seems to regard quite highly. The story is told in a few different styles from different perspectives, including some scenes of interviews and pages of text messages. I thought it was a fun pick for this month's story and one that middle-aged readers should be able to relate to and enjoy!
In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This month's message is a fun, lighthearted one that goes well with the tone of our story!
Paulie Fink Button
This month we received this large button that goes along with our book.
OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Neon Ruler
This neon ruler is incredibly bright! It is nice and thick and goes up to 8 inches. It reads "make your own rules" and features the OwlCrate Jr logo, making for a fun and unique ruler!
Pippi Longstocking - Puffin Chalk Edition by Astrid Lindgren - Retail Value $7.99 (found here for $6.39)
I love Pippi Longstocking and I don't actually own this book, so this was a great surprise this month! This chalk edition is a really unique and beautiful version, too. Pippi is a classic rule breaker/rebel, so this was a great choice!
OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Enchanted Galleon Keychain by Holly Dunn Design
This awesome enchanted galleon keychain comes straight from Gringotts Bank. It is a nice hefty keychain with a lot of intricate details.
Charles Darwin Magnetic Personality Finger Puppet by The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild - Retail Value $6.95
This finger puppet has a magnet in the head so he will stick to your fridge for a fun conversational piece! I love how informational the little tag is! My kids enjoyed playing with him as a puppet and I think this was a great choice for a "rule breaker."
Read All Night Button
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme, and this little guy in his boots and leather jacket looks like he is up to no good!
JUNE THEME SPOILER:
Next month's OwlCrate Jr theme will be "Time Travel" and it will be a historical fantasy!
Verdict: Each month our OwlCrate Jr box delivers lots of enjoyable and exclusive goodies that always work so well within the chosen theme. I love to see what they come up with! This month, the winner for me was the inclusion of this unique version of Pippi Longstocking, but having an exclusively-designed Harry Potter item is always a treat, too! With so many exclusive items it's hard to estimate a value, but the total retail value of the books and puppet came to $31.93, so I think it's safe to say we probably exceeded the $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping) cost of the box considering that leaves about $4 for the rest of the items (keychain, two buttons, and ruler). As usual, this was an excellent curation and a great value!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the June box.
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 Owl Crate Reviews and the best subscription boxes for kids!
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