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 one hardcover middle-grade book plus assorted gender-neutral book-related items.
Ships to: The U.S. for $7.99, Canada for $9.99, and international for $19.99
OwlCrate Jr September 2020 "Shivers Down Your Spine" Review
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This month our theme is "Shivers Down Your Spine" and the box arrived with this magazine, which highlights all of our items. It also includes an interview with the author, a creativity corner with a crossword puzzle, and some information on their monthly photo challenge.
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The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf - Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $12.10)
We first meet Pink, the ghost, when he belongs to Suraya's grandmother, an unkind woman who used Pink's magic to do terrible things to those around her. When she passes on, Pink has to stay in the family, and instead of binding himself to her mother, he is drawn in by Suraya, a sweet young girl. He spends his time observing her and waits until she is old enough to reveal himself to her, when he does, he becomes her only friend in the form of a grasshopper small enough to fit in her pocket. Poor Suraya is a sweet, kind-hearted girl, but one who seems to have drawn the attention of an awful girl at school who turns her into a target and begins to bully her. Pink steps in to help, but Suraya makes him promise to never hurt anyone else for her again after seeing what he can do. When a new girl comes to school, Suraya finally has a friend and Pink begins to feel jealous. So jealous that he begins causing mischief for the new friend resulting in a trip to the hospital. When she realizes what he's done, she commands him to leave her, but now without him on her side, he wants revenge. This evil spirit is endearing at times and terrifying at others resulting in a unique and very eery story!
From Amazon:
I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.
Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable.
But Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive . . . before they are both lost to the darkness.
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We received a signed bookplate along with a letter from the author.
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Frightlopedia: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling from Arachnids to Zombies by Julie Winterbottom - Retail Value $9.95 (found here for $4.74)
We received this very thorough encyclopedia, which covers some pretty scary topics, including various monsters, quicksand, zombies, and even Ouija boards. I love the idea of this, but it's almost a bit too thorough for me as it even discusses how to hold your own seance and some pretty graphic topics. I would probably give this one a read before handing it to your child, because while some might enjoy the creepy folklore, it may be a bit too much for others. This book certainly fits in with our theme, though!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Tote
We received this wild tote bag with some very bright colors and a gross-looking zombie on the front with the phrase "Sink your teeth into a good book." This design would make a fun bag for trick-or-treating, but I kind of wish it was a little more subtle so it could be used year-round!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Washi Tape
This washi tape is such a fun idea! It features some cute, but spooky, creatures designed by LouLou & Tummie. The tape is 2 cm wide and is a full 10 meters long so we should be able to get a good amount of use from this roll!
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The Nightmare Before Christmas Something Wild Game - Retail Value $9.99
We love the Nightmare Before Christmas so this game was something that my kids were super excited about, even though it may be a few years before they can all play this one. The mini Jack Skellington figure is so cute and I love that the cards feature adorable versions of the characters from the movie. This game is for 2-4 people ages 6 and up and it sounds like a lot of fun!
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OwlCrate Jr Exclusive Sticker
Each box includes a collectible sticker that fits with the monthly theme. This cute witchy design comes from Andrew Kolb!
Verdict: I am all about a good spooky Halloween-themed box and I love that OwlCrate Jr sent this the month before so we have it in time for October. While I really enjoyed the book this month, some of the items were a bit of a miss for me. I wasn't super crazy about the tote design and the Frightlopedia felt a bit too intense for this age group. However, I loved the washi tape and the Jack Skellington game, so all in all, I think it balanced out. I do think the value is there for this $35.98 ($27.99 + $7.99 shipping) box and I'm curious to hear - what did you think about this box?
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you'll get the October 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 6 items, meaning each item has an average value of about $6.00.
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