The Box

PreS-Gr 1–Bear, Fox, Hare, Squirrel, and Owl are friends who live together in the deep woods. One day a mysterious white box with two small holes appears. When it moves, they understand that someone is inside and urge it to come out and join them. But a sad “Noooo” is their response. Thinking that the creature inside must have had a bad day, is afraid, or shy, the animals show small kindnesses and much patience. They make a party, tell jokes, and offer small gifts; when a storm arrives they move the box into Bear’s warm dry den. Eventually their gentleness pays off and out of the box pops a new friend, a parrot, to be welcomed to their woodland family. Muted pastel illustrations enhance this work and show the affection the animals feel for each other and natural good will they have for the stranger in the box. Gentle illustrations and sweet spirit infuse this work.