The Magic Box: When Parents Can't Be There to Tuck You in
illustrations by
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
This text is designed for children coming to terms with the absence of parents. This upbeat and charmingly illustrated book contains a wealth of tips for families in which a parent is often away from home. Casey hates it that his father has to travel so often. But this time Dad leaves a special gift that will help Casey cope with his absence and future trips as well. This delightfully illustrated book contains many valuable tips for families in which a parent is frequently away from home. Includes a note for parents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Casey felt when his parents couldn't be there to tuck him in?
What are some ways Casey found to feel closer to his parents even when they were away?
Can you think of a time when you missed someone? What did you do to feel better?
Why do you think it's important for Casey to have a bedtime routine?
How do you think the magic box helps Casey? How would you use a magic box if you had one?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about times they've felt similar to Casey, reinforcing that it's okay to miss someone and have emotions about it.
Discuss the importance of routines and how they can provide comfort, just like Casey’s bedtime routine helps him.
Use the concept of the magic box from the book as a creative activity. Together with your child, you can craft a 'magic box' filled with items that are comforting or hold special memories.
Help your child understand that everyone experiences moments of separation and that it's normal, using examples from the book and comparing them with personal experiences.
Emphasize the positive aspect of the story, such as the creative ways Casey stays connected to his parents, to help instill a sense of resilience and resourcefulness in facing similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Separation
Explanation: The book follows Casey, who learns to handle his feelings of sadness and anxiety when his parents cannot be there to tuck him in at night.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when they experience separation from their parents, such as during school hours or parental business trips, helping them develop resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Routine
Explanation: Casey and his parents create a 'magic box' filled with notes and surprises for each other, maintaining their bedtime routine even when they are apart.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stick to routines that provide them with comfort and stability, especially in times of change or absence of loved ones.
Example Lesson: Expressing and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Throughout the story, Casey learns to express his feelings through different activities and conversations, which helps him manage his emotions better.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children to communicate their feelings effectively and not bottle them up. They can use techniques like drawing, journaling, or talking to someone they trust.