Max's Box

By Brian Wray, Shiloh Penfield (Illustrator)

A magical box traps Max's emotions, growing until it blocks his joy. Can he find a way to let go?

3.4/5 Goodreads · 56 ratings

32 pages· 680 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Max receives a magical box that stores everything, even his emotions. As anger, sadness, and loneliness fill the box, it grows, overshadowing his happiness and freedom. With the support of friends and family, Max learns to transform the box and release his feelings. Will he reclaim his joy and ride his bike again? This tale explores the importance of embracing emotions rather than hiding them, with vibrant illustrations reflecting Max's journey from shadow to light.

From the publisher

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.

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