Grandpappy’s Corner: The Box by Jo Linsdell: Imagination + Cardboard

The Box

by Jo Linsdell

DETAILS:
Publication Date: March 14, 2024
Format: PDF
Length: 44 pg.
Read Date: November 13, 2024

What’s The Box About?

This is a glimpse into some of the many ways a boy uses a box to play. His imagination fuels his useage and we get a little glimpse into what he sees—like pirate ships or caves—that box becoming.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is just cute. That’s all there is to say.

I really liked the way that Linsdell superimposed a drawing of whatever it is the boy is imagining (e.g., a robot or treasure chest) on top of the box.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s pretty straightforward, the text is really about getting the child you’re reading to to pay attention to the pictures and get their imagination going.

There’s a refrain repeated throughout. Initially, I thought Linsdell overused it. But then I realized it would function as a line that a child would pick up on and chant along with whoever’s reading it. It’s also the kind of phrase that you and/or the kid could use during play as well. So, whatever reflex I had about the frequency was off.

So, what did I think about The Box?

Anyone who’s had—or known—a small child (or a cat), knows that for certain ages a cardboard box is far more entertaining than the toy inside. This little book is a good reminder of that time (for us older readers), and either an encouragement for younger readers to do similar things—or to be reassured that they’re not alone in using boxes for many, many ends.

It’s a cute read, it’s a quick one—one of those books that the pictures and the ideas within are far more important than the story or text.

It’s worth your time, and I bet it’ll make a fan of younger readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for this Tour.