What's in the box?: A children's book about imagination and problem solving
What’s inside...
Deep in the forest, a mysterious box appears, sparking curiosity and wonder in Fox and Rabbit as they embark on a journey to discover its contents. As they discuss the possibilities of what could be inside, their conversations are filled with humor and wit. 'What's in the box' is a children’s book aimed at 2 to 6 year olds that encourages curiosity and imagination, posing questions about the box's origin, intended recipient, and its contents, which could range from something fun to something dangerous, or even a pizza. Ultimately, the story opens up a world of possibilities and leaves the reader hungry for answers—and maybe even a pizza.
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a mysterious box like the one in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to use your imagination to solve a problem?
How do you think the characters felt when they were trying to figure out what was in the box?
What other creative ideas could the characters have tried to discover what was inside the box?
Why do you think it's important to use our imagination?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking if they've ever encountered a similar situation.
Encourage creative thinking by asking them to come up with alternative solutions or endings to the story.
Discuss the emotions of the characters in different scenarios within the book to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Highlight the value of persistence and creativity in problem-solving, linking it to real-life applications.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, like drawing what each imagines to be in the box, to reinforce the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The story revolves around children using their imagination to guess what could be inside a mysterious box, transforming everyday objects into magical items in their mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity in play and daily tasks, helping them to see the world in innovative and diverse ways.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the children in the book hypothesize what’s inside the box, they discuss and test their ideas, showcasing basic problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to approach challenges with a systematic method, enhancing their ability to think critically and find solutions in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The children work together, pooling their ideas to figure out the contents of the box, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of working with others to achieve common goals and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The narrative encourages questioning and exploration, as the characters imagine various possibilities of what the box could contain.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to inquire and explore the world around them, thereby boosting their intellectual growth and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Accepting diverse perspectives
Explanation: Each child in the story has a different guess about the box's contents, which highlights how different perspectives contribute to a richer understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Promotes respect and appreciation for differing viewpoints among peers, essential for their interpersonal development and empathy.