Saturday, May 9, 2009

What's So Great About a Box?


Do you remember the lure of a big box as a child? Are your kids thrilled when you buy something that comes in a box bigger than they are? If so, then this book is for you.

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis, is a tribute to the age-old tradition of a child turning a box into something else, something deep within their imagination. Not a Box stars a rabbit and a box. Written in a question and answer format, an off the pages voice asks the rabbit:

"What are you doing with that box?"

Turn the page and the rabbit answers:

"It's not a box."

There on the page you see red lines drawn over the black box and the box is transformed into a pirate ship, a hot air balloon, a space ship (you get the idea).

The illustrations are spare and simple. And humorous. Somehow, Portis manages to make a stick figure bunny have lots of personality. In addition, the outside cover of the book is made to look and feel like a cardboard box, complete with a "This Side Up" on the back.

One of the beauties of this book is that it will appeal to very young children, as well as beginning readers (4, 5, and 6 year olds). Published in 2006, it's a classic in the works.

BookNosher Tidbit: Not A Box was selected as a Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book in 2007. The Theodore Seuss Geisel annual award was established in 2006 for the author and illustrator who make the most distinguished beginning reader books.

BookNosher Activities: This is easy. Get a box and watch your child soar off to places far away.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"One of the beauties of this book is that it will appeal to very young children, as well as beginning readers (4, 5, and 6 year olds). "

I'd argue this book would be suitable for all ages, especially the 18 average year old who is tired of reading college textbooks based on the history of forming the United States.

I like your blog Aunt Robin!My mom and dad told me to check it out, so here I am. It's way awesome. Much more intersting than reading about Quakers, the War of 1812, and Abraham Lincoln.

Hope all is well,
Lisa.