Max's Box: Letting Go of Negative Feelings

Award-winning author Brian Wray uses a magical growing box to illustrate children's emotional development and health. 

Max's parents give him a very special gift: a tiny, magical box that will hold everything, from his toys to his feelings. Max learns, however, that feelings can't be put away as easily as toys. Each negative emotion he feels—anger, embarrassment, sadness, loneliness—gets added to the box, which grows and grows.

Eventually, the box is so large that it keeps him from doing what he loves, like riding his bike and climbing trees. With some help from his friends and family, Max is able to turn the box into something beautiful and let it go. A parents' guide explains how well-intentioned adults often encourage children, especially young boys, to ignore and “put away” their feelings instead of learning to fully live with them.

This simple but powerful story not only teaches children how to “control” their emotions but discourages suppressing them, the illustrations becoming more colorful and vibrant as Max moves out from his box’s shadow.

Brian Wray has written for Walt Disney Studios and earned both television-producing and writing credits. Inspired by the bottomless imagination of his daughters, Brian has placed his focus on storytelling for children.

 

Illustrator Shiloh Penfield's previous work includes Boy Zero for Caliber Comics, a guest artist spot on Red Knight published by Dead West Comics, and multiple independent projects. Located in Brooklyn, her calico cat "Maki" maintains quality control and ensures all pages are delivered on time.

Shiloh’s previous work includes all three of Brian Wray’s books, Boy Zero for Caliber Comics, a guest artist spot on Red Knight published by Dead West Comics, and independent projects. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her calico cat, Maki, who maintains quality control and ensures all pages are delivered on time.