The Big Brown Box

by Marisabina Russo

It's a big brown box! Or maybe it's a house with windows and a door. Or a cozy, dark cave. Or a ship on the ocean. But whatever it is, Sam's box is no place for baby brother Ben. There's BIG trouble brewing over the big brown box...until Mama finds a solution that's a perfect fit for everyone. Children's Books 2000-NY Public Lib.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2000

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are going to write a book about imagination and what a big brown box can turn into, then do that. Don’t put a selfish jerk of a big brother in the story who never learns any lesson. The focus became more of what a jerk Sam is and not the possibilities of a cardboard box. The parents in this story stink. They don’t do anything really about Sam’s behavior and in the end they reward him with a plate of cupcakes. A plate of cupcakes that he is not sharing with his little brother 🙄

[Dundee Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books follows a young boy on his adventures in playing in a huge appliance box. He uses his imagination to bring his box to life while battling dangerous animals (his little brother) who threaten his adventures. In order to save his adventures in the big brown box a solution is found so his brother can join him, but NOT in HIS box!!! A great book to use to stimulate creativity!

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like the story mainly because the big brother did not share with the little brother throughout the whole story. Even my kids noticed that and pointed out from the very last picture how he did not share cupcakes with his younger brother.

The message I got from the book was that older siblings can be selfish and not share. The younger siblings can ask as nicely as they can, but should learn that life is not fair. Hmmm... for young children, I don't think so.

[Romelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book published in 2000. A simple, solid story that reflects picture books written in earlier era. A book on imagination and sharing. A more modern concept of this book is It's Not a Box by Antoinette Portis, which is more simplified and brilliantly written with minimal text. Don't mean to compare the two, but it just shows how different the writing is then and now.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

All families can likely relate to this story....imaginative fun with a big brown box and spats with a younger sibling.

[Kim Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be relatable to children with younger siblings. I love that children find joy in a simple cardboard box. The pictures are nice and deatailed.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about getting along with a younger sibling.