Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow!

by James Burks

Overview

"Fun, expressive, informative, and imaginative! I want a box full of these books!" —Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly

A trilogy of fun, charming, and how-to stories following the curious and spunky Beatrix and Box.

Beatrix and Box want to eat a million strawberries! But their only way to do it is to grow their own strawberry garden! But well, how do you plant a garden? Do fruits grow in the ground? Is there a Pickle Tree? Or a Blueberry Muffin Bush? Where are the magic beans? And what do you talk to your plants about if you want them to grow big and strong?

The two friends plant. They water. They wait... and they wait... and they wait some more. They had no idea it takes this long for plants to grow. Who has the patience to wait this long? And who or what is nibbling on the leaves? Beatrix and Box's frustrations are growing faster than their garden. Will Beatrix and Box run out of patience and quit before their garden bears fruit, or will they feast on the goodies they grow?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250448002
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	09/16/2025
Series:	Box Tales , #1
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

James Burks has spent his life eating, breathing, and drawing. In addition to writing and illustrating graphic novels like Gabby and Gator (Yen Press), Agent 9 (Penguin/Razorbill), and the seven-book Bird & Squirrel series (Scholastic/Graphix), he’s also worked on animated feature films and television shows for Disney, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network.

Editorial Reviews

"Helpful hints, such as squeezing a plant's root ball will help roots grow out, will appeal to readers looking for a little science mixed in with their humorous how-to in this first installment of the lively Box Tales series." —Booklist

"Be prepared to deal with amused and exasperated parents as this hilarious introduction to gardening will have young readers laughing, learning, and running home to grow their own ­favorite foods." —School Library Journal

​"Fun, expressive, informative, and imaginative! I want a box full of these books! I wish I could unbox a new James Burks book every day! My kiddos and I have loved reading the Bird and Squirrel series. We're all super excited to have a new series by James Burks to unbox!​" — Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly.

From the Publisher

2025-06-13
Two friends cultivate a sweet snack.

Bea and BFF Box (a sentient cardboard container) are so excited for strawberry season that when they get their hands on the delectable fruit, they devour it all in one sitting. Although they beg for more, Mom refuses to purchase additional strawberries; the fruit is expensive. She will, however, support them in growing their own strawberries. Bea and Box set off optimistically, planting green strawberry tops and watching their pile of dirt obsessively. Nothing sprouts, but after a little research at the library and a lot of guidance from their neighbor Mrs. Gomez, a knowledgeable gardener, they plant seedlings that ever so slowly begin to bear fruit. Blending a gardening primer with a buddy comedy, this graphic novel smartly captures the hard work, patience, and luck it takes to grow one’s own food and, by extension, encourages readers to appreciate the sweet treats they gobble up. Burks’ agreeably over-the-top cartoon artwork leans into the drama; Bea and Box’s gung-ho partnership is infectiously enjoyable. These two have a lot to learn, but they’re ready to meet the challenge. Bea and her mom have brown hair and olive skin; Mrs. Gomez welcomes them in Spanish and is cued Latine.

A playful, fact-filled adventure in gardening.(Graphic informational fiction. 5-9)

Kirkus Reviews