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.
FYI, COVID-19 Updates: You can find OwlCrate shipping updates right here.
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: The US for $7.99, Canada for $9.99, and International for $19.99
OwlCrate Jr July 2020 "Lost in a Book" Review
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This month our theme is "Lost in a Book" and we received this magazine which highlights all of our items. It also includes an interview with the author, a creativity corner with a fun bookish quiz (I missed 3!), a community corner, and some information on their monthly photo challenge.
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The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay - Retail Value $17.99
This book is signed by the author and features an exclusive (and gorgeous) cover!
Abi loves getting lost in a book; it's the perfect escape from her new blended family which includes a competitive older brother, Max, and an obnoxious younger brother, Louis. She doesn't feel at home in their house, but when the landlord decides to stop renting they are forced to relocate and they find the perfect, unique, and somewhat strange house covered in ivy. At first, Abi finally feels settled; she has her own room and there's even space for the rocking horse that was passed down to her from her mother (who passed when she was just one), but when her stepmother Polly goes away for a work trip, everyone struggles to adjust and some strange things begin to happen that make things even more difficult. Abi finds herself being swept into her books, quite literally, while young Louis has some sort of large, and possibly dangerous, cat creature that has taken to coming into his room through the window. Poor Max gets his first crush on Louis’s babysitter and awkwardly tries to make an impression. Now that Louis’s little friend is getting even bigger they all have to figure out what to do and solve the problem together.
This book is quirky and uses some British slang that makes it feel even more offbeat, but in that fun way, not unlike Roald Dahl's work. I enjoyed the dynamics between all of these characters!
From Amazon:
Abi and her two step-brothers, Max and Louis, find that strange things happen when they are alone in their eerie, ivy-covered new house.
Abi, reading alone, finds herself tumbling deep into books, while Louis summons a startling guest through his bedroom window. Even Max has started to see shapes in the shadows . . .
Their busy parents see none of it - but Louis’ secret visitor is growing too alarming to keep secret, and he finds he cannot manage without Max and Abi’s help.
Can they find out where the mysterious creature has come from – and how to get it back there?
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In each box, there is a letter from the author in which she explains where the name Green Magic comes from.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Activity Book
We received this fun activity book that includes pages to color, some mazes, and artwork from various artists including Shafer Brown, Alex Clauss, Melanie Demmer, and BoyGirlParty. The pages fit perfectly with our theme!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Colored Pencils
To go along with our activity book, we received this set of 12 colored pencils which have fun fairytale-themed names like Riding Hood, Glass Slipper, and Ogre's Swamp. They come pre-sharpened (although two of my tips had broken in transit), and they have OwlCrate Jr written in gold at the ends of them.
I love the variety of colors and they worked perfectly for the pages of our book.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Book Tin
This book tin is perfect for hiding away your treasures with its secret compartment. This beautiful design has fun details all around inspired by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and it features the quote "When in doubt, go to the library" on the front. I believe this design comes from the talented Anne Lambelet.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Bookmark
I love this Beauty and the Beast-themed tassel bookmark! There are just so many fun little details hidden throughout with a quote directly from the movie on one side. Can you spot Cogsworth and even Chip? This fantastic design is courtesy of Kelly Leigh Miller.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Ceramic Mug
The mugs we receive from this subscription are always beautiful and this design from Risa Rodil really brings the character of Matilda to life. I love the quote from Roald Dahl's book on the front, "These books gave Matilda a hopeful & comforting message: you are not alone." I love Roald Dahl and I would have loved this mug as a kid! I'm sure my daughter will be happy to cozy up with it, too!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Pin
What a perfect design from Dust and Pages! This pin is so nicely done and I can't wait to add it to our library bag.
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Sticker
Each box includes a collectible sticker that fits with the monthly theme. This vibrant and eclectic design comes from Samantha Curcio!
Verdict: "Lost in a Book" was such a perfectly bookish OwlCrate Jr theme! Who doesn't love getting lost in a book? There was such a great mix of exclusive and beautifully designed items this month! My favorites would have to be that pin and of course the mug. The book tin is also pretty spectacular and the activity book and pencils added some fun to the theme. Oh, and I almost forgot about the bookmark that I love so much! Guess this was a pretty great box for $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping)!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you'll get the August box—and there's no waitlist at the time of publication!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order
CODE: JRMSA2021
Value Breakdown: This box costs $27.99 + $7.99 shipping. We received 8 items, meaning each item has an average value of about $4.50.
Check out all of our OwlCrate reviews and the best subscription boxes for kids!
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