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 July 2019 "Zodiac Adventure" Review
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This month's theme is "Zodiac Adventure" and our box includes several zodiac-themed items! This card details some of the items we received in our box.
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Each month they send a little magazine that features an interview with the author. This month they included the story of the Chinese Zodiac and a little chart which is helpful in figuring out which zodiac animal you are! The last page offers information about their photo challenge contest.
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The Twelve by Cindy Lin - Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $12.15)
This story takes the zodiac animals and creates a rich story that reads like a fable come to life. The twelve zodiac animal heirs were once respected warriors that protected the land and when children developed animal talents based around their birth years these talents would be honed and nurtured, and schooling would ensue to help them strengthen these talents further. Several years ago when one of the Twelve betrayed their land, things changed and now children have to hide their talents from the Blue Dragon or else he will capture them. Usagi is a girl who lives under the radar stealing rice for trade along with her younger sister and friend Tora, all of whom have animal talents; Usagi was born in the year of the rabbit and has an excellent sense of hearing and can leap to great heights, Tora has the agility of a tiger, and Umi has the speed of a galloping horse along with fire magic. One day events lead to the capture of Tora and Umi which sets Usagi on an unusual path to saving them when she meets three other kids with animal talents who claim to be the new heirs to the Twelve. Since it is becoming harder to find those with animal talents, these new friends encourage her to become an heir so that she can strengthen her talents and become strong enough to fight the guards and rescue her sister and friend and possibly even join in the fight to restore their land to what it once was. This book is full of adventure and subtle magic that is really intriguing thanks to its basis around the zodiac animals and I think it's one a lot of readers will enjoy!
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In each box, there is a signed bookplate sticker and a letter from the author. This is such a unique and personal inclusion that I always appreciate!
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Zodiac Fan
As a little extra with our book, we received this paper fan featuring all of the zodiac animals along with the beautiful tigress from our book. With how hot it has been lately, this was a welcome little treat!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Zodiac Animal Stickers
This sheet of stickers features all twelve zodiac animals. See if you can spot the rat!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Constellation Map Tapestry
This tapestry is so nice! The material is somewhat thick, made from 100% satin with a beautiful sheen to the deep blue color. It features all of the twelve unique zodiac signs for us to spot through all of the constellations. This is also a smaller tapestry which means it will be easy to find a nice spot to display it!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Zodiac Parade Mug
This next item came packaged up neatly so that it survived the trip in the mail! This ceramic mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, but it is so pretty that I don't think I want to take a chance on putting it in the dishwasher!
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This mug was designed by Bonnie Lui and features a beautiful and lively scene depicting a "Zodiac Parade" of all twelve animals and holds about 12 ounces. My son was especially excited about the design as he loves all things animals and he had some fun picking out the various animals on the mug.
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Schleich Dalmatian Puppy Figurine - Retail Value $3.40
Subscribers could have received one of several different animal figurines and we received this cute little dalmatian puppy! I love how he is holding his paw up in greeting.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Zodiac Pocket Mirror
This mirror with zodiac animals on the front is inspired by one of the "Twelve Treasures" in our story. Usagi uses the mirror to check on her sister throughout the story so this is a fun item to have that ties in perfectly to our theme and book. It is nicely made as well!
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Origami Paper Set
This set of origami papers features several sheets with various animal prints and includes a booklet with directions for how to make several different animals. Unfortunately, I am terrible at origami so there is no sample animal here, but I like that I have this nice set to practice with and I'm sure the majority of subscribers will enjoy this and probably be much better at it than I am!
Pig Button
Each box includes a button that fits with the monthly theme, and 2019 is the year of the pig!
Verdict: I loved how cohesive the curation of this month's OwlCrate Jr box was! Each item related perfectly to our theme of zodiac animals and it was a mix of some useful items that were beautifully designed. I love the mug and the tapestry and how they included a mirror to tie into our story. I think younger subscribers will appreciate the origami set, figurine, and stickers and will especially enjoy Usagi's adventure! With all of the exclusive items, it is hard to get an estimate on the value, but with a box cost of $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping) and a book that retails for $16.99, that leaves total of $18.99 for the remaining 7 items (not including the paper fan) which sounds like a pretty great value to me!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the August box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021
Value Breakdown: This box costs $27.99 + $7.99 shipping. We received 8 items (not including the paper fan), meaning each item has an average value of about $4.50.
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