– His Parents Gave Him A Very Special Gift –

Publisher’s Description

Max’s parents give him a very special gift: a tiny, magical box that will hold everything, from his toys to his feelings. Max learns, however, that feelings can’t be put away as easily as toys. Each negative emotion he feels—anger, embarrassment, sadness, loneliness—gets added to the box, which grows and grows. Eventually it is so large that it keeps him from doing what he loves, like riding his bike and climbing trees. With some help from his friends and family, Max is able to turn the box into something beautiful and let it go. A parents’ guide explains how well-intentioned adults often encourage children, especially young boys, to ignore and “put away” their feelings instead of learning to fully live with them. This simple but powerful story not only teaches children how to “control” their emotions but discourages suppressing them, the illustrations becoming more colorful and vibrant as Max moves out from his box’s shadow.

Details

  • Title: Max’s Box
    • Author: Brian Wray
    • Illustrator: Shiloh Penfield
    • Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (September 2019)
    • Genre: Picture Book / Emotions
    • Size: 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ | 24 color images | 32 pp
      ISBN13: 9780764358043 | Binding: hardcover

My Thoughts

This was a book that I had to read and then think about for a little bit. I liked the illustrations and the fact that they were mostly black, white, and grey. The only exception, in the beginning, being Max’s jacket which was blue. As it progressed a few more colors were added to help emphasize parts of the story.

copyright Schiffer Press
© Schiffer Publishing

One reason I kept thinking about the story was to work through the fact that Max started by putting material things in the box. His favorite ball, pirate ship, and a stuffed dog. But then when Max fell he put his hurt in the Box. When he was frustrated he put his anger in the Box. I had some trouble working through the material things and emotions being tucked away in the same Box.

But after reading and considering it for a while, I decided on several things.

  • First, toys might only be demonstrating that the box could grow and toys are simple to toss in. His parents gave no instructions regarding the box, so that he could learn by experience. He needed to discover that emotions could be dealt with by tucking them away in the box, too. But by tucking them away, they became burdensome to lug around.
  • Secondly, is it possible that the box given to him by both parents represented his heart? Toys can be dear to your heart, but there might be a time to move on. Emotions can be held tightly, but some are better released.
  • Thirdly, according to the publisher’s description, toys only represent easy things to slip in the box and hold on to.
  • And lastly, don’t attempt to overthink things. If it concerns a child who is listening to the book, ask what they think it means to mix toys and emotions. It can be a wonderful opportunity to think . . . outside the box!

When someone asked Max how he was feeling, he began to look at things differently. And each child who drew on the box brought about a happy feeling, thus lifting the negative from the box.

So, can it be a bit confusing? Yes. I think it can.

But I also think the merits of this book far outweigh any concerns. The story offers a wonderful conversation starter, no matter what the questions.

What are your thoughts?

Possible Discussion Points
  1. Why were the toys put in the box? Stretch a child’s imagination and ability to think.
  2. Why did the box grow bigger and heavier with little tiny emotions stuffed in there?
  3. Why was he even lugging the crazy box around? Couldn’t he let go of it?
  4. Why didn’t his parents explain more about the box?
  5. Did one boy who asked a question help Max feel a little better?
  6. …and the possible questions go on and on.

Added Note

There is helpful information at the back of the book. The guidelines offer some thoughts for adults such as

  • Research shows that boys are prone to releasing feelings in physical outbursts.

Information is then supplied with ways to help deal with outbursts.

My thanks to Schiffer Press for giving me a copy of this book to review and offer my honest thoughts. Also to giveaway to some lucky reader. See my Instagram account to win this great book.

What Concerned Me

As I noted above, I was concerned that Max put both physical things and emotions in the box.

What I Liked Most

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This book offers so much. I can see it being used in classrooms or one on one. The discussion topics are unlimited.

About The Author

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and have been writing stories and sharing them with other children for as long as I can remember. After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in film, I moved to Brooklyn, New York.
 
I’ve been writing professionally since 2003, when I was awarded the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Since then, I’ve written for Walt Disney Studios. I’ve also earned a variety of television producing credits. 
 
Inspired by my work at Disney and the bottomless imagination of my daughters, I’ve moved my focus back to storytelling for the younger crowd.
 
I write from Brooklyn, where I live with my wife, two daughters, and an endless supply of ideas. 

from Brian Wray’s website





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