The Box

by Isabella Paglia, Paolo Proietti (Illustrator), Laura Watkinson (Translator)

A sensitive book about reaching out to a new friend, perfect for fostering social-emotional learning.

One day a mysterious box arrives in the woods. Bear, Fox, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Owl can all see that something—someone—is hiding inside. But why won’t that someone come out? Maybe the stranger is scared or having a horrible day. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past and don’t know who to trust anymore. Who is the creature inside the box? How can the animals reassure them and introduce them to their amazing new home?

Told through playful, pastel-colored illustrations, The Box is a gentle story about meeting others where they are. Kindness, patience, and a little creativity can help us find the most wonderful friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Animals, Italy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Anna [Floanne] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro commovente sulla gentilezza e sul valore dell’amicizia. I personaggi di questa breve storia, un orso, una lepre, uno scoiattolo e un gufo, se pur diversissimi tra loro, si contraddistinguono per la loro capacità di unire le forze nell’intento comune di salvare il misterioso occupante di una altrettanto misteriosa scatola comparsa improvvisamente, un giorno, nel bosco. Dopo vari tentativi riescono nella missione. Al loro variegato gruppo, d’ora in poi, si unirà un nuovo amico. Molto belle le tavole e i colori tenui. Una carezza per l’anima.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may pair this book with THE SUITCASE. They both have an element of anticipation and discovery although the characters who wonder about the unknown react very differently.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A box is left in the forest and it seems there is someone inside. The animals invite whoever-it-is to come out and join them, but the animal inside the box shouts out, "No!" So the forest animals take a step back and try to think of ways to make whoever-it-is feel welcome. They have a circus show with music. They host a picnic. But whoever-it-is will not come out. Gently, the animals show their care and friendliness. And when whoever-it-is feels safe and welcome, they finally come out.

I love the positive messages in this book about being gentle with people and respecting their needs. It's such a sweet story! The animal characters are all so cute!

The illustrations are so soft and pretty! My favorite page is when they make music together and the fox is playing the piano. I'm a pianist, and I love that musician vibe among the animals. Music brings them together, and becomes a way for them to connect in a special way with their new friend.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[S46354595 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each member of the animal kingdom shows kindness and empathy in this gently suspenseful Italian import. When a box with something live inside is discovered in the middle of the forest, the animals invite whoever is inside to come join them on this lovely day. From the box comes a clear, “Nooo.” The fox, bear, and hare speculate, “Maybe they feel ugly…had a bad day… are scared to come out.” The next day they put on a show for whoever is in the box, the day after they throw a party, and finally they gently hug the box and share favorite tokens. When it begins to rain, the animals carry the box inside bear’s cave and finally out pops a colorful and appreciative parrot. A final line offers a clear segue for social-and-emotional learning from this bibliotherapeutic title. The soft pastel illustrations follow the author’s tone. Rare are books with themes of kindness, tenderness, and loving kindness from all characters in a book that does not feel didactic, but this title is an excellent fit for counselors and teachers to share with young students. International award-winning children’s author Paglia shares the spotlight with Italian powerhouse illustrator, Proietti.

[Πάνος Τουρλής · Rating 5 out of 5]

Τι δουλειά έχει ένα κουτί στη μέση του δάσους; Ποιος είναι μέσα σε αυτό και δε θέλει να βγει; Πώς θα καταφέρουν τα ζώα να κερδίσουν την εμπιστοσύνη του και να γίνουν φίλοι;

Η Isabella Paglia έγραψε ένα γλυκό και τρυφερό παραμύθι που υμνεί τη φιλία και την αμοιβαία αγάπη. Τα ζώα του δάσους βρίσκουν ένα παράξενο κουτί με δύο τρύπες στη μέση, αρκετά μεγάλο για να χωρέσει κάποιον κι όταν πάνε να το ανοίξουν αυτός που είναι μέσα αρνείται να βγει. Τα ζώα είναι γεμάτα περιέργεια και έχουν πολλές απορίες. Ποιος κρύβεται στο κουτί και γιατί δε θέλει να βγει, παρ’ όλα τα παρακάλια τους; Ίσως νομίζει ότι είναι άσχημος ή διαφορετικός και δεν έχει θέση κοντά τους, ίσως σήμερα είναι μια από αυτές τις μέρες που δε θέλει να κάνει τίποτα και να δει κανέναν, ίσως φοβάται. Αυτές και πολλές άλλες σκέψεις δημιουργούν μια αίσθηση μυστηρίου και αγωνίας για την αποκάλυψη της ταυτότητας του ενοίκου. Η συγγραφέας δημιουργεί έξυπνες και διασκεδαστικές σκηνές μέσα από τις οποίες προσπαθούν να κερδίσουν τα ζώα την εμπιστοσύνη του αγνώστου: στήνουν μια διασκεδαστική παράσταση, οργανώνουν μια μεγάλη γιορτή με φαγητό αλλά το κουτί δεν ανοίγει ούτε σπιθαμή. Και τότε ξεσπάει μια καταιγίδα.

Η εικονογράφηση του Paolo Proietti είναι εξαίρετη και απολαυστική. Η ιστορία ζωντανεύει με υπέροχα παλ χρώματα και με ποικίλες οπτικές γωνίες, με άφθαστο ρεαλισμό και καταπληκτικούς συμβολισμούς. Μου άρεσε μεταξύ άλλων η σκηνή που δείχνει την απογοήτευση των προσπαθειών των ζώων που φεύγουν με γυρισμένη πλάτη και με τα υπολείμματα της χαράς και του γλεντιού γύρω από το κουτί, κάτι που δείχνει τη ματαίωση των προσδοκιών τους. Τα ζώα αποτυπώνονται στις σωστές τους διαστάσεις και το δάσος ξεπηδά μέσα από τις σελίδες με λιτές λεπτομέρειες και έμφαση στο κίτρινο και καφέ χρώμα. Υποδειγματική η δουλειά του καλλιτέχνη, συνοδεύει με τον καλύτερο τρόπο ένα κείμενο γεμάτο αγωνία και εκπλήξεις.

«Το κουτί» περιγράφει τις προσπάθειες των ζώων του δάσους να κερδίσουν την εμπιστοσύνη ενός αγνώστου που κρύβεται σ’ ένα κουτί και μέσα από μια σειρά περιστατικών οι μικροί αναγνώστες από 4 ετών και πάνω κατανοούν πώς χτίζεται μια φιλία και πώς μπορεί κανείς να κερδίσει ευκολότερα τον άλλον και να έρθει κοντά του. Επίσης, η συγγραφέας τονίζει πως δεν πρέπει να χάνουμε το κουράγιο μας αλλά να προσπαθούμε συνέχεια μέχρι να επιτύχουμε αυτό που θέλουμε. Μια γλυκιά και τρυφερή ιστορία με υπέροχα διαχρονικά νοήματα.

Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%cf%84...

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day, in the middle the woods, a box appears. The Box is small, with holes in it, and the whole forest is curious. How did it get here? When did it arrive? Hey! I think there’s someone inside! The animals gather around to welcome whoever is inside to their new home in the forest. NOOOOOOO! Whoever is inside the box cries. For the rest of the book, the creatures of the forest make a plan for getting their new friend out of the box. They throw a party. They have a picnic. When it rains, they take the box inside a cave to stay dry. Finally, after some days, The Box opens and the creature inside accepts their new home.

The Box is a book about accepting people where they are, taking time to get to know someone, and doing the hard work of waiting to be someone’s friend. Reading this book made me think of young kids thrown into new situations. This happens to young kids all the time. New school. New class. New church. New friends. The world of a young child is always changing. And opening up and becoming part of a new place can be difficult. The Box reminds readers to meet others where they are while reminding newcomers that while the box might seem safe, there’s a whole world of friends waiting for you to open up to them.

The Box is fun, thoughtful, and gentle. It’s a conversation starter with your little one about times they’ve wanted to crawl in a box and say NO! or times they’ve struggled to figure out how to make new friends.

[Leanne Luetkemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitive book about reaching out to a new friend, perfect for fostering social-emotional learning.

One day a mysterious box arrives in the woods. Bear, Fox, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Owl can all see that something—someone—is hiding inside. But why won’t that someone come out? Maybe the stranger is scared or having a horrible day. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past and don’t know who to trust anymore. Who is the creature inside the box? How can the animals reassure them and introduce them to their amazing new home?

Told through playful, pastel-colored illustrations, The Box is a gentle story about meeting others where they are. Kindness, patience, and a little creativity can help us find the most wonderful friends.

Illustrated by Paolo Proietti. Gorgeous chalk, color pencil, water color. Sensitive soft magic! Good perspectives

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

When read as a fantasy story/allegory, THE BOX is a sweet book about a group of woodland animals who give a new forest resident the time and space to settle in before they're ready to come out and join the community.

However, it can also be read as an idealized story about abandoning captive exotic birds into the wild,and that the birds will find a happy place in an entirely unfamiliar and inhospitable environment. Sadly, irresponsible owners do abandon pet birds in the wild, and it's just as cruel as doing so with a pet dog or cat.

[Zuzka-knižníček · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velmi milá a příjemná knížka pro nejmenší čtenáře včetně velmi zdařilých ilustrací. Knížka má krásný přesah, která je důležitý pro děti, ale taky skvělý jako přípomenutí pro dospělé. S dcerou jsme hádaly co za zvířátko je v krabičce ukryté (neuhodly jsme) a celkově jsme si čtení užily. Příběh je velmi stručný, ale výstižný a dostačující, pointa je předána a každý si z toho vezme už to své. K přečtení určitě můžu doporučit.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Titolo italiano "La scatola".
Con le illustrazioni di Paolo Proietti.

Un libro per i più piccini che fa capire il valore dell'amicizia.
Nel bosco all'improvviso appare una scatola, ma l'animalino che vi è chiuso dentro non vuole saperne di uscire..
con molta pazienza, gli animali del bosco lo rassicureranno sul loro affetto.
Dai 5 anni in su.

[Ana Stefania Neag · Rating 4 out of 5]

O poveste cam scurtă pentru gusturile Anei.
Povestea în sine are potențial, este plăcută, frumoasă.
Un detaliu mic, a cam stricat magia. Ochiul, în cutie, era gri. Când a ieșit din cutie, vietatea ( nu dau spoiler) avea împrejurul ochilor alb. Anei nu i-a plăcut asta.
În rest, desenele sunt foarte frumoase, calme și calde.

[Maecey Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story. A group of animals find a box in the woods and figure out some other animal is inside. The animal won't come out, so the other animals do everything they can to make it comfortable and feel safe and protected. I loved following this journey. The book has some good messages about kindess and opening up to people. I think kids would really enjoy this book.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you get someone who is shy to come out of their shell (box)? I could see reading this to younger kids who have a new student or a shy student in their group. I world not intend the message for someone who is hurting or shy, but fur their cohort. Sweet illustrations.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in Italy in 2020 and the United States in 2022, this is a story of perseverance. When a box appears in the forest, the critters wait patiently for whoever or whatever's inside to come out and enter their world.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krásné ilustrace! Příběh o tom, jak se v lese objeví krabička s někým uvnitř a zvířátka se snaží zjistit, kdo je to. Ale ten někdo ještě nechce vylézt ven a zvířatka to respektují.
Knížka o trpělivosti, kamarádství a o tom, že nic se nemá nutit.

[Gracie Thornhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book suited for younger readers, but full of rich vocabulary. The message is GREAT for social-emotional learning, and it deals with real world topics while teaching students how to be a good friend. I loved it.

[Emma Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a super cute book for kids learning about new friends, and how to be kind to one another. This could be a great carpet conversation starter, especially when a new classmate may be arriving soon.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, empathetic story about meeting others where they are with charming pastel-colored illustrations. Originally published in Italy.

[Y.Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story about being patient
when wanting new friends to
open up

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A love illustrated book on kindness to new people but it left me wondering... Did someone just dump their bird in the middle of the woods?

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, tender story about friendship and patience, kindness and respect.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were more interesting than the storyline.

[Ari Red Susy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino ma nulla di più. Posso capire l'intento educativo e anche le illustrazioni sono piacevoli, ma il finale non va secondo me, non è all'altezza della storia, manca qualcosa...

[Dactylaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ mims

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect picture book about patience!

[Lisa]

Cute illustrations but I wasn't too into the story.

[Chelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand the point of the story, but I can’t help thinking about who put the poor bird in the box and left it in the middle of the forest.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very cute! Love the way the animals figure out ways to make whatever is in the box feel welcome and comfortable enough to come out! Great illustrations!

[benedetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5