La caja sorpresa

by Art Spiegelman

Rare book

Genres: Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Childrens, Comics, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

Art Spiegelman is an American cartoonist, editor, and cultural innovator whose work has profoundly influenced the perception of comics as a legitimate art form, blending literary sophistication with experimental visual storytelling. Emerging from the underground comix movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Spiegelman quickly distinguished himself with a distinctive approach that combined meticulous craftsmanship, psychological insight, and narrative complexity, challenging conventions of sequential art and the boundaries between personal memoir and historical record. He co-founded the landmark anthology Raw with his wife, Françoise Mouly, which became a platform for cutting-edge, avant-garde cartoonists from around the world, blending surrealist imagery, literary experimentation, and bold visual ideas that redefined the possibilities of the medium. Spiegelman is best known for his groundbreaking graphic novel Maus, a haunting, deeply personal depiction of his father’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor, which used anthropomorphic characters to explore trauma, memory, and identity with unprecedented depth; the work earned a Special Pulitzer Prize and established Spiegelman as a central figure in both literary and visual culture. Beyond Maus, he has contributed influential cartoons and covers to The New Yorker, including the iconic 9/11 cover, demonstrating his ability to communicate complex emotional and cultural truths with economy and symbolic resonance. His artistic sensibility reflects influences from early twentieth-century cartoonists, modernist design, typography, and the visual language of newspapers and advertising, while also incorporating pop culture, surrealism, and abstraction. Spiegelman has consistently experimented with the interplay of image and text, treating comics as a medium that mirrors cognitive processes of memory, perception, and emotional experience. In addition to his creative output, he has curated exhibitions, edited anthologies, and published critical essays on comics history and theory, advocating for the recognition of the medium as serious art and mentoring generations of cartoonists. He has also worked in graphic design, creating posters, album covers, and commemorative stamps, and his visual interventions often reflect his interest in narrative structure, cultural commentary, and the power of imagery to shape public understanding. Throughout his career, Spiegelman has been a vocal advocate for freedom of expression and a critic of censorship, engaging in public discourse on political and social issues, and demonstrating how comics can address profound ethical and historical questions. His pioneering work, editorial vision, and relentless innovation have transformed both the aesthetics and the intellectual reception of comics, proving that the medium can handle grief, history, and identity with sophistication, subtlety, and emotional resonance. Spiegelman’s legacy is evident in the work of contemporary graphic novelists and in the broader cultural recognition of comics as an art form capable of exploring human experience, social commentary, and the complexities of memory and trauma, making him one of the most influential figures in modern visual storytelling.

Reviews

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)]

I love the toon books and recommend them often, but I have mixed feelings about this one. Some children will likely enjoy the silliness that is part of this story. But my concern is that for some it might actually be frightening. The looks on the face of Jack (the rabbit) is at times scary...Jack seems scared by what is happening with his new gift/toy. Part of me kept thinking that Zack (the toy in the box) would be a great plot line for the Twilight Zone. Rather than funny this one came across as creepy to me.

[Emilia P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uh. Well, I want to like Toon Books more than I do. And it's hard for me to make the switch to actual kid books by Art Spiegelman. It's like ... these are Maus characters! This is weird! Plus Jack in the Boxes are freaky, no getting around it. So. Yeah.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea of graphic novels for little kids, but this one was a little strange. The art at times got more creepy than cute, and the story was kind of odd too. I think there are other toon books that are a bit better, this one is just a little too weird for my taste!

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was odd

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for children about that special toy that you love more than any other.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Creepy as hell!

[Halina Hetman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Прочитала, бо було цікаво, що там таке антропоморфне від Шпігельмана, ще й для дітей. Виявилося, це книжка про кріпову іграшку. Після такої оповідки в дитинстві я б боялася брати коробки в руки))

[Pixelcitizen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I had only bought and read this book not only to support a library that had a sale, but I’m also a mega big Art Spiegelman fan (Spiegelstan?). So, I thought this would be an interesting purchase.

Obviously, being an adult, this was not intended for adult audiences. You see, since the late 90’s, Art and his wife Francoise have occasionally published “Toon Books”, which are comics made and aimed at children (specifically the 2-8-ish crowd).

Visually speaking, I think it’s solid! I love the colors used in this, and I definitely think it’s cute! It looks really cute and appropriate for the audience it’s aimed at.

I guess what confuses me is the story. So, basically, it’s about a bunny boy who receives a toy Jack-in-the-Box. They both introduce themselves to each other before getting into various scenarios with each other. Over time, though, they never get into anything super cool or even any adventures. The most that happens is that we’re introduced to another character who happens to cause some chaos, though the chaos is quickly solved anyway. No one seems to learn anything or do anything significant.

I get that not every thing has to have a moral or anything, but even on a deeper, in-depth level, it’s hard to point out what it means at all. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to teach or what I’m supposed to get out of it.

Personally, I think it’d be cool to see the bunny boy go into the box and find this mysterious, crazy world. Kids love that shit, and the imagination from Spiegelman himself could go absolutely insane!

But yeah, there’s honestly not much to say about it. I could kinda see a kid enjoying it, and it’s overall pretty harmless as a whole.

Maybe I was expecting more than what I ended up getting? Obviously, I shouldn’t expect to be blown away by something intended for a completely different age demographic, but still.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever read The Cat in the Hat and wish it was a comic book or graphic novel? Well, you almost have your wish with the Level 1 adventure from Toon BOOKS, Jack and the Box!

Young Jack is a bunny whose parents have given him a new toy. It's a Jack-in-the Box named Zack! And new buddy Zack is full of surprises!

Written and illustrated by graphic novel legend Art Speigelman (Maus: A Survivor's Tale), this is an early reader that can introduce the youngest of younger readers in your life to sequential art! Jack and the Box uses repetitive words, many of which are visually cued by the artwork. A lot of the words rhyme; like how Jack's toy is named Zack. And speaking of Zack- he's going to surprise the whole family with just all the magical stuff he can do!

I really think Art Spiegelman tapped into his inner Dr. Seuss with this book. Don't believe me? Just wait till you see what Zack can do once he and Jack start playing hide-and-go-seek! The ending to this book might not be as dramatic as The Cat in the Hat, but you'll definitely feel the vibe of Things 1 and 2 by the time you reach the end!

Jack and the Box is a very short and quick 32 pages. While it's a speedy read, the laughs and surprises are going to make this read a book that everyone is going to want to enjoy again and again!

A 2008 release by a graphic novel legend is sure to become a new classic.

[Sarah Beattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awards Received (if any):
-Publishers Weekly's Best Children's Picture Books of 2008
-White Raven Award 2009
-Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Book of the Year

Appropriate Grade Level:
-Kindergarten through 1st grade

Original Summary:
-This is a graphic comic “toon book,” that tells the story of Jack, a rabbit, who gets a toy from his parents. The toy is a jack-in-the-box type of toy, but it seems to come to life and interact with Jack. The toy inside of the box is named Zack and he teases Jack back and forth by having more toys pop out of the box. These other toys end up breaking Jack’s lamp, and Jack goes on to call them all “silly” toys.

Original Review:
-I did not like this book at all… it was extremely creepy in terms of the drawings and the idea. The drawings were scary looking and the toy seemed very bossy and controlling to Jack. I could see how a child would find this book funny, but I honestly found it hard to follow and confusing.

Possible In-Class Use:
-This book could be offered for a child to look at and read during free-reading time, just to get them used to comic style books.

[Makaila Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Jack and the Box", by Art Spiegelman is about a young boy who receives a present from his parents. What looks like just a box turns out to be and pop out toy named Zack. The two have a lot of fun together playing hide-and-go-seek, an Jack later finds out that Zach has a friend named Mack in the box too, who also has pet ducks. Things get crazy once they all come out of the box.

The gutters in this story represent another conversation between characters. The word bubbles are very important to understand what is happening. If you just looked solely at the illustrations, you would not get the full effect. The color of the background changes based on the mood the author is portraying in the images. Fo example, on page 9, the background changes from yellow to red when the toy finally pops out to show that Jack was scared/startled. Onamonapia is also important in this story to help the reader imagine what it sounds like in that scene.

[Sam LaBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t have time to say I was glad and somewhat shocked I found Art Spiegelman (he always manages to sneak up on me, whether it’s a banned books list or an excuse to read Maus again) digging through the old books left over in the classroom I inherited. It’s a leveled reader, I’m going to try to incorporate this into a lesson (somehow). It’s also just wonky and weird, you know, how all good kids books should be.

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I try not to just kids books because they are not for me. However, I read this to my four-year-old niece, and she liked it okay. But, the toy in the story is so creepy looking...Just some really odd art choices. However, real jack and box's toys are just creepy AF so there you go. The story is not that great overall, so that did not help.

As Always, Happy Reading!

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Spiegelman does is top notch. Funny art, humor on multiple levels, with some plain silliness thrown in for good measure. My young son (3) was a little frightened of Zack but ended up requesting me to read it to hi again the next day. Alas, I had already returned it.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

my review on this book is that its bad. i dont like the book at all.


eric

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My lil one giggled throughout this whole book. She thought this book was “very silly”

[Terry]

Toon Books are always a hit! See what our new reader thinks of Jack and his box!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very silly, and maybe a tad bit scary. But easy to read for early readers.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times really great... At others kinda creepy. But creative of course.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit creepy 😅

[Абрахам Хосебр · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a bad toy
I am a silly toy!

[shemah · Rating 2 out of 5]

#2025

[Mario · Rating 2 out of 5]

i think this book needs better colors and pictures .

[Shishuraj · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was scary as fuck

[Natalie Rudolph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and the Box (2008) Written and Illustrated by Art Spiegelman
This graphic novel is described as being the first comics for brand- new readers. It tells the story of Jack, a bunny who is given a “silly toy” as a gift from his parents. It is a box with a toy that looks like a sling, occasionally popping out and saying silly things to Jack. Jack always requests that the toy, “come out and play.” When the toy eventually does, he always has something interesting and funny to say. Jack learns that the toy’s name is Zack. The two play games like hide and seek and Jack meets Zack’s friend, Mack, who gets them into a lot of trouble.
• The bubbles, which contain the characters’ dialogues, often have exclamations at the end. This helps to emphasize the author’s tone of excitement and playfulness. Additionally, some of the words are bolded. Because not all of the words are bolded, the ones that are stand out. This helps show the expression and loudness that Jack or the toy, Zach, speaks. Often times, Jack will shout at the toy, trying to use his loud voice to get the toy to come out of the box and play.
• The pictures are drawn cartoon-like. I can’t imagine them being drawn any other way. After all, this is a very silly story about a “very silly toy.” It is only fitting that the author’s artistic style coincides with the story. All of the pictures are framed with various, light, pastel colors as their background. This is done so that the characters will stand out. The toy, especially, captures readers’ attentions with its red nose and red hat. The lines, which surround the toy when it pops out, show movement. Interestingly, the pictures where the toy is not popping out are all framed with straight lines. However, when Jack succeeds in getting the toy to pop out, the frames move, turning the illustration on its diagonal. This shows the force with which the toy pops out and dramatizes it.
• In addition to writing words in the speech bubble, the author will often write words on the pictures, themselves. For instance, when Jack is tapping the box, the author writes, “tap! tap!” above it. When all of Mack’s pet ducks come flying out, Spiegelman writes, “CRASH!” in large, red font. He uses onomatopoeias like these and slam and pop to give sound to a noisy situation.
This graphic novel is very well- done. It would definitely capture any beginning reader’s liking. The repetition would help those first learning to read and the cute, silly story would keep him or her engaged and wanting to read. While I can acknowledge that the pictures and story are good, I did not enjoy it as much as the other picture books I have read. I think this is due to the fact that I dislike the graphic novel style and am much more apt to prefer the style of typical picture books. Even so, there are definitely people and kids who would enjoy this book.

[Rowan Stewart]

This Toon Into Reading book by Art Spiegelman tells the story of a young bunny and his newest toy - Jack's parents give him a jack in the box (ironically enough). The jack in the box comes alive as Jack continues talking to it, much like I remember my toys doing when I was 5. An amazing introduction to graphic novels, this Level 1 Toon Into Reading story \i Jack and the Box \i was a cute story about a boy and his toy.

The words of the story are fairly short and simple, making it a good read for level one students. There are repeated sight words, such as toy, good, bad, silly, etc. The story itself is fairly simple: the boy discovers that the toy can talk - and that he's hiding another secret friend! The three get into some mischief, but all returns to normal the second Mom and Dad walk through the door.

The images range in size, between full page images and half page ones. All of the images - except for one - are surrounded by a white border reminiscent of comic books. The only image that covers the entire page features Jack, the toy, the hundred ducks, and large red words reading 'Crash!' The words are all contained within text bubbles coming from the characters, and they're fairly simple as I mentioned earlier. The images showing the toy are full of color on a yellow background, while the ones without the toy are set on a simple blue background and limited to different shades of the one color, contrasting the fun times with the toy and the bland times without him. The story as a whole is drawn fairly simply, but is very cute.

I enjoyed reading this story, and I think it would be a great introduction to graphic novels for a young reader!

[Rhica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of great ryhming. This is the kind of story that would make me want to burn all of the jack-in-the-boxes that ever existed. It creeped me out.

[Lacey Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and the Box
By Art Spiegelman
Spiegelman , A. (2008). Jack and the box. New York, NY: Toon Books.

1. Graphic Novel Junior Book

2. In this book Jack’s parents give him a new toy. Sometimes his toy can be funny, but sometimes it is scary. Jack loves his toy at first but he starts to believe that it is just a little too silly.

3. Illustrations/Color

b. The illustrations really give meaning to this story. It is done in a comic book like setting and the illustrations really tell the story. The author uses color to also depict the mood of the reader. When Jack finds his toy to be calming and fun the pictures are colored in nice blues. When Jack may be getting a little frustrated with the toy the pictures turn to yellows and when the toy may get just too alarming or silly for Jack to handle the pictures are colored in red giving the uneasy feeling to the reader.

c. This is shown throughout the whole story but one of my favorite parts of the book is when Jack is wanting to play with the toy, but the too is saying “no way” and the pictures are colored in yellow. Then the toy finally says “OKAY!” and pops out of his box, scaring Jack and the color of the picture is of course the color red.
4. This is a great book for the classroom; it takes such an easy story line and turns it into a cute and entertaining story. This would be an excellent book for discussions on expression, or use of color when writing a story. The students could also write their own comic book story using a simple storyline like this one has.

[Rhiannon Hubble · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Genre: Graphic Novel
2. When Jack gets a new toy, he is excited to play with it. This toy is full of surprises, each time the box opens, something new awaits Jack's discovery.
3. a) Area for Comment: Vocabulary
b) While I found this book a tad bit creepy, I did notice that the author uses very appropriate vocabulary suitable for young readers (4-6 years old). This in itself made me appreciate the book a little more. I know that young, emerging readers would take to this book because it is so silly and easy for them to read/memorize.
c) Examples:
Every time Jack makes the box pop open, the author uses the word, "pop". This is repeated throughout the book and children will grasp the word quickly.
On pages 3 and 4, Jack tried hard to get the box open and he calls it "silly". Likewise, Jack says that he wants to play with the toy, but the toy says no. Children are sure to relate to this.
4. Curriculum Connection: I am not sure if I would use this book because I did find it a bit creepy, with the Jack in the box popping up whenever he wanted to. However, I would use it to teach children the concept of word and perhaps new vocabulary.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Range: 5-7
Jack’s parents give him a present that surprises: a goofy jack-in-the-box with a mind of its own. Jack learns to play with the mischievous and obstreperous Zack. They both agree he is very silly. Spiegelman’s prodigious imagination paired with a simple, repetitive and rhyming vocabulary makes this a great choice for an early reader. Spare, yet graphically strong cartoons hold children’s interest and build sympathy for bedeviled Jack.

Per other reviews: I agree there is something menacing about Zack. He delights in surprising Jack and he's got a creepy clown face. Yet for me the discomfort never crossed the line. I was reassured by Jack's response. He would be momentarily discomfited and then recover and laugh with Zack. I actually felt the story helped kids learn to be resilent.Really that is what lots of play, especially with 'jack-in-the boxes' is all about.

Similar Books: Chick & Chickie: Play All Day by Claude Ponti, Silly Lilly series by Agnes Rosenstiehl, Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith, The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.