Brian Wray

Using an almost metaphorical example...which isn't one at all... this tale takes a new twist on emotions and how kids can deal with them.

Max gets a box from his parents, one that he can put all sorts of things in. And even better, it grows bigger to fit anything he could possibly want to put inside. Then, he tries something different. When a situations makes him feel bad, he stuffs this emotion into the box. Soon, he stuffs every negative emotion inside, and the box grows bigger and bigger. At one point, the box is so big that he can't take part in any fun things with his friends.

This is a story which should help kids learn how bad it can be to stuff emotions inside and not let them out. The story starts out simple and cute as Max simply puts normal toys into the box. As it slides into a more imaginative direction, it's clear what's happening. And Max always has this growing box in tow. It's a visual young listeners will be able to identify with, and the freeing effect at the end offers inspiration...but not without a little help. While there is a good message at the end, I found it came across a little unclear and had to be explained before the kids got it.

The illustrations are simple and fun to look at. They depict each situation nicely allowing the reality of pulling a huge box along to come across very clearly.

At the end of the book, the authors adds more advice and explanation concerning the problem children and might have with their emotions and how to use this book.… (altro)

As a parent I think this is a fantastic book. The illustrations are simple but elegant and help make the story more poignant. Best of all I loved the lesson being taught that you shouldn’t focus on your flaws and trying to be perfect or you will miss out on the world around you. It’s a great lesson that if we can really impress upon our kids then hopefully when they’ll still remember it when they hit those god-awful teen years. I also liked that there was never a point that the boy mentioned the ‘flaw’ because all he saw was his friend who he wanted to spend time with regardless if she was perfect or not.

I read this with my daughter and the first time through all she got from it was how pretty the bunny was and she liked that she and the bunny were into the same things. Then we talked about the deeper lessons in play and went back over the story. That time she paid closer attention to why the bunny was pulling at the string and the activities she missed out on due it and that made a huge impact on her.

From both a parent and kid point of view we give this FIVE paws up!… (altro)