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.
Brian has been writing professionally since 2003, when he was awarded the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting. Brian is also the author of Max’s Box and Unraveling Rose, the 2017 Foreword INDIES Gold Winner for Picture Books, Early Reader. Shiloh’s previous work includes 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.
"Maxs Box is a clean, easy-to-understand story about emotions, and how suppressing them can cast a shadow over everything we do ... As Maxs dad says, Its ok to have all kinds of feelings
but once you feel them, their job is done. An author note about expressing emotion offers tips for adults who want to help children healthily manage and express their emotions. A good read-aloud for younger children that invites discussion". Momreadit Jan 2020
"An appropriate metaphor to help children manage their emotions. (Picture book. 4-8)" -- Kirkus Reviews
"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 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, Simcoe Review
Foreword Indies, Gold Medal Winner, Picture Books Early Readers Category (2020) - Winner [United Kingdom]
