Beautiful Children’s Books About Boxes

I love boxes.

Yesterday, we went shoe shopping. When my daughter decided to where her shoes out of the store the shop assistant said. “I guess you don’t need the box.”

“Yes we do! There are so many things you can do with a good shoe box. Doll cradles, pony stables, houses, dioramas, aquariums, the list goes on!”

Over the years, my husband has come home with some massive boxes from work. We painted them turned them into cubby houses, cars,etc. I even turned one into a Christmas tree.

Here are some of my favourite books on boxes that have inspired hours of dramatic play at my house. Each has a gorgeous lessons to inspire confidence, creativity and connection with others

Jessica’s Box by Peter Carnavas

A subtle but beautiful story of a little girl first days of school. Jessica, determined to make new friends, takes a box to school, each day, filled with her favourite things. When she finally gives up the most miraculous thing happens. You will have to read it to find out. There will be no spoilers in this post.

 

The Man who Love Boxes by Stephen Micheal King

Once there was a man who loved boxes. He also loved his young son, but because he did not know how to say so, he made things for his son out of boxes. Love is expressed in different ways and a small boy comes to understand his father’s special way of showing his love for him.

Stephen Micheal King is one of my favourite authors. His book Milli Jack and the Dancing Cat is another book that inspires kids of all ages to be creative with what they have and embrace the joy of being a free spirit! We also Love Emily Loves to Bounce, Henry and Amy and Leaf.

Mannie and the Long Brave Day by Martine Murray and Sally Rippin

Mannie is going on an adventure. She’s taking her favorite elephant Lilliput and her doll Strawberry Luca. And she hasn’t forgotten her special box of secret things, just in case the adventure gets adventurous. “Wait a minute! What’s in the box?” Read On...

This is a gorgeous story fueled by the imagination of a little girl and her adventure with her favorite toys. I have turned this into drama exercises where students pretend to pull an item out of a box to help us on our Mindful Storytelling journey!

See this post for more dramatic play ideas.

That’s Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

 

A box is just a box . . . unless it’s not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows. Read On…

This Book and That’s Not a Stick inspired our (my kids and I) story ‘This Isn’t a Rock!’

Princess Super Kitty is another Antoinette Portis family favourite.

Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty

A beautifully-illustrated tale of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. Read on…

Quickly becoming a family favourite, this book isn’t exactly about boxes but it is about a little girls journey in creating wondrous things from recycled materials. It has a strong message on how to look at failure as a necessary first step during the creative process.

This is an important message for creating fearless and determined girls who are not hindered by the notion that everything they do must be perfect.

If you have kids who love boxes check out what I have planned for the lesson in week one of my new Yarraville Mindful Storytelling weekly classes, in the post Quiet Places and Chameleons.

Wishing you lots of box filled bonding!

Cathy

P.S. What do your kids or animals like to do with boxes? Please post some ideas, stories or funny pics. below or on my facebook page!!