The Little Box

Mariana is nervous for her first day of school. Her papa gives her a little "comfort" box and instructs her to open it whenever she absolutely, positively, really, really needs it. When she does, a whoosh of air flies out and surrounds her like a warm hug. As the day goes by, her confidence slowly increases and she tries harder and harder to not open the box. When an unkind classmate falls at recess, and she is the only one around to help, will she need the box . . . or will he?

Judy Goldman was born in Mexico City and still lives there today. She is the author of more than 50 books for kids published in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, and Colombia. She loves tacos, enchiladas, anything that has cinnamon in it, and the smell of freshly cut grass.

Cecilia Varela loved illustrating this book: choosing the technique, thinking about Mariana’s character, and imagining the moments when she looks into the box. It’s a tender story that reflects the power that we have inside ourselves, when we need to find the strength and love to face difficult moments in life. Cecilia Varela lives in Argentina, but considers Mexico her second home.