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bexcapades's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely children’s book about letting go of our negative feelings and how to feel lighter and move forwards.
bargainandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Max’s box is a wonderful story about a boy named Max who has a box that will fit anything. Any size, any shape, anything. This includes, he finds out, his feelings that make him uncomfortable. Over time the box becomes to big to manage and keeps max in its shadow. Eventually with the help of his friends, family and neighbors Max is able to let it go.
“It’s okay to have all kinds of feelings... but once you feel them, their job is done.”
With the added bonus of tips for parents in the back I found this book fantastic in learning about feelings for children (and adults)
I would absolutely use this as a tool for my kids.
“It’s okay to have all kinds of feelings... but once you feel them, their job is done.”
With the added bonus of tips for parents in the back I found this book fantastic in learning about feelings for children (and adults)
I would absolutely use this as a tool for my kids.
kindredbooks's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I received a copy of Max's Box from PIxel Mouse House Books and Brian Wray in exchange for an honest review.
Max is given a box from his parents in which he is told to put anything into it. At first, he tries putting in his toys and with each item, the box grows to accommodate these items. Soon, Max also starts putting his feelings away into this box and the box grows and grows until it is huge and very difficult to carry. With the help and encouragement from a young friend, Max learns to start lightening the load that he is carrying and with some final help from his father, he is finally able to let it all go.
One thing that I've come to appreciate about Brian Wray's books is the way it really tries to tell a story about important emotional and mental health issues for young children. In this one, I was a little concerned and confused by the parent's involvement - why would they give this box to Max that burdens him as he is essentially locking away everything. But from reflecting and reading the author's notes at the end of the story, it is an important reflection on the ways in which adults may try to help and "fix" things for children which are in turn quite harmful. I felt that this is such a great story for both children and adults in reflecting on mental health. I also really appreciated the use of colour in this story as it begins with very limited colours - just the blue in Max's cardigan but as he learns to let go of all that he's been holding on to, we see more colour on the pages. This is a great picture book to engage in important conversations about emotions with children and also a reflective piece for all adults taking care of children.
Max is given a box from his parents in which he is told to put anything into it. At first, he tries putting in his toys and with each item, the box grows to accommodate these items. Soon, Max also starts putting his feelings away into this box and the box grows and grows until it is huge and very difficult to carry. With the help and encouragement from a young friend, Max learns to start lightening the load that he is carrying and with some final help from his father, he is finally able to let it all go.
One thing that I've come to appreciate about Brian Wray's books is the way it really tries to tell a story about important emotional and mental health issues for young children. In this one, I was a little concerned and confused by the parent's involvement - why would they give this box to Max that burdens him as he is essentially locking away everything. But from reflecting and reading the author's notes at the end of the story, it is an important reflection on the ways in which adults may try to help and "fix" things for children which are in turn quite harmful. I felt that this is such a great story for both children and adults in reflecting on mental health. I also really appreciated the use of colour in this story as it begins with very limited colours - just the blue in Max's cardigan but as he learns to let go of all that he's been holding on to, we see more colour on the pages. This is a great picture book to engage in important conversations about emotions with children and also a reflective piece for all adults taking care of children.
graypeape's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story for kids about how to let go of negative emotions. Max has a box that everything goes into, including his emotions. As the box gets larger, it becomes more difficult to deal with, until it becomes overwhelming. When someone asks him how he's feeling, the box becomes a little lighter, and it gives Max an idea- draw balloons on the box, so it won't be so heavy. Soon others are helping Max, each person adding a balloon till Max can finally let it go and it can float away. After the story, there are tips for parents and other caregivers on how to help children cope with difficult emotions. Now, it's likely that adults will overthink some of the story elements- why do toys go into the box when he first gets it? Where are his positive emotions? - but I think kids will get the point. The illustrations are soft and lovely, with very little color at first, but as Max's box gets lighter, the world becomes more colorful, much like life does once you've dealt with what has been weighing you down.
#MaxsBox #NetGalley
#MaxsBox #NetGalley
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