Max's Box: Letting Go of Negative Feelings

by Brian Wray, Shiloh Penfield (Illustrator)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781507301838
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	11/01/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	10 MB
Age Range:	3 Months to 11 Years

About the Author

Brian has been writing professionally since 2003. He has written for Walt Disney Studios and earned both television-producing and writing credits. Inspired by the bottomless imagination of his daughters, Brian has placed his focus on storytelling for children. Shiloh’s previous work includes Boy Zero for Caliber Comics, a guest artist spot on Red Knight published by Dead West Comics, and multiple independent projects. Located in Brooklyn, her calico cat "Maki" maintains quality control and ensures all pages are delivered on time. Shiloh’s previous work includes all three of Brian Wray’s books, Boy Zero for Caliber Comics, a guest artist spot on Red Knight published by Dead West Comics, and independent projects. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her calico cat, Maki, who maintains quality control and ensures all pages are delivered on time.

Editorial Reviews

Max's Box is a good picture book that helps parents, teachers and other adults discuss the topic of emotions and feelings with children. At the back of the book there is a section on emotions including how adults can help a child express and manage their emotions."

Glenn Perrett

"Young children will understand the concepts presented in Max's Box. The art helps articulate Max's situation by using only incidents children could encounter, leaving adult versions totally out of the book. Wray and Penfield understand children and should turn Max's Box into the first of many similar books. Wray and Penfield can help children master life and the pitfalls we all encounter. Those who work with children should have Max's Box in their office."

KidLit Reviews

"Max's Box is a clean, easy-to-understand story about emotions, and how suppressing them can cast a shadow over everything we do."

Rosemary Kiladitis

"Max's Box is a clean, easy-to-understand story about emotions, and how suppressing them can cast a shadow over everything we do."-Rosemary Kiladitis,

MomReadIt

This engagingly written and wonderfully illustrated book helps children to understand how, with the help of those who care, we can learn to let go of those things that hold us back and keep us from moving on. - Linda Mayers, Ph.D., Child Psychologist

It is always a challenge to discuss mental health issues with children, particularly in a language they can understand. However, Max's Box provides an exceptional springboard for doing so. An important read for children and, I would imagine, a few adults, as well." - Matthew Goldfine, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

"This sensitive story of Max and his box of feelings is a wonderful conversation starter, and will provide children a way to visualize not suppressing their emotions with support from parents." - Dr. Nerissa Bauer, Behavioral Pediatrician.

From the Publisher

2019-07-17
A boy's parents instruct him to put things, like emotions, in his box.

Max first places his toys inside the palm-sized box, each one making it slightly bigger, and soon needs a wagon to carry it. He then adds in a series of negative emotions: "hurt," "anger," and "embarrassment." The apparent requirement that the box remain with him and its increasing heft make fun activities, like riding a bike, difficult. Eventually, Max can do nothing except sit next to it and be envious of other children without boxes. The cartoon illustrations, mostly in black, white, and gray, with Max's blue jacket adding some color, augment the text's anxiety-ridden mood. A passing boy provides an emotional connection, which, paired with a suddenly appearing ladybug, makes for an awkward transition to Max's decision to draw a balloon on the box's side. Once other people draw colorful balloons, including Max's parents, the box becomes light, and the people also take on colorful hues. Only Max's hold on the connected rope keeps it from floating away, but, at his father's encouragement, Max lets it go. The art's soft coloring matches the gentle story. (Max and his family present white.) An author's note addressed to adult caregivers offers some guidelines on managing emotions, especially in terms of expected gender roles.

An appropriate metaphor to help children manage their emotions. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews