Sometimes you are short on time and need a simple book to read with your kids. You know, the one that has about one sentence per page but is not so basic it’s boring. “Not a Box” and “Not a Stick” both fit the bill. These books cleverly show kids how to use their imaginations with a smattering of words and a series of simple sketches.
In “Not a Box,” a bunny shows how a BOX can be the most fun of play things. “Why are you sitting in a box?” the book asks the reader. Turn the page and you see will see: it’s not a box, it’s a race car! The outline of a box is then shown in black while added red lines show how you could imagine it as a car. My son’s favorite page was the bunny shown squirting a box with a hose. Well, of course it wasn’t a box, it was a burning building and the bunny was a fireman putting out the fire! 🙂
In “Not a Stick,” a pig is shown holding a STICK and the first page reads, “Hey, be careful with that stick.” What kid hasn’t heard that? Attention grabbed. The book then goes on to show the pig using the stick as a fishing pole, a baton in a marching band, a paintbrush, etc. The ending is very clever with the stick finally becoming a sword and the pig fighting off a fierce dragon. Kids, go grab your sticks! Adventure awaits 🙂
I love how these books encourage children to use their imaginations. There is no complex plot and no special voices are needed for this read aloud. Instead, your child will read this book over and over on their own and really enjoy it. It’s relatable — when has a stick every been really just a stick? Or a box just a box? 🙂 For a child with a good imagination, the possibilities are endless.
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