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Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
The Boy Who Loved Boxes by Michael Albanese is billed as a picture book for adults but works for all ages. A young boy discovers the joy of sorting his items into boxes. Everything has its place. Books go in one box, trains in another. This makes him content. As he grows older, he continues to sort his life into boxes. Now, his boxes contain less tangible items, like work, emotions, and faith. Soon, the number of boxes and their contents becomes overwhelming, and everything comes tumbling down. The man is confused and unhappy. As he looks at the broken pieces and remnants of the boxes, he begins to see a new way of organizing his life. Will he be content again?
The Boy Who Loved Boxes is a simple yet thoughtful story that can be shared with older children and adults. As a retired children's librarian, I would highly recommend Michael Albanese's The Boy Who Loved Boxes to those seeking picture books that have deeper meanings. The illustrations by Todd Wilkerson complement the story well. They are clean and uncluttered, with just a few bright pops of color. I love stories that make me think and encourage me to go back to the beginning and read it again. As an adult, it's nice to have a book that imparts a profound message in a friendly format; not preachy, just enlightening. Those who enjoy Peter Reynolds' books or Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss will find Michael Albanese's story just as fulfilling. The Boy Who Loved Boxes is a thought-provoking story for all.
