As an adult who "loves" boxes this hit all the right places. A simple book to remind us that even when we put all the things in the right places that some times it is false sense of control. Control and peace are not the same.

Thank you for the ARC Netgalley.

Thank you to the author, illustrator, publisher, and NG for a copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback. I didn't really get the point of it, but I think it was a cute idea. A children's style book for adults -- it's about the uncertainty brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. I think it was just OK. Good illustrations, could really be extended into maybe a larger collection of stories? Would be fun to see that but as it is I'm not so sure?

This was an interesting book about the control we try to have in our life and how covid-19 affected our peace of mind. I loved the idea, but I can't say the allegory fully resonated with me. It's really short so if this children's book for adults make you curious, you should read it!

Many thanks to Netgalley and The Weight of Ink!

This is an “adult picture book” about a boy, later a man, who loves boxes. It’s supposed to represent a need to be in control. Then the pandemic happens and the boxes all fall and he tries to find a a new box and honestly I’m not sure that this metaphor works that well. In the end, he finds peace through one box and it’s not entirely clear what the book is trying to say.

I recently read the book, The Boy Who Loved Boxes: A Children's Book for Adults, written by Michael Albanese and illustrated by Todd Wilkerson. The description:

Written and illustrated against the backdrop of the global pandemic, this children's book for adults is a modern-day allegory exploring the illusion of control and the pursuit of peace. Join our hero and discover that happiness is not always found in the places we expect.

The Boy Who Loved Boxes is unique because it is one of what I'd imagine to be one of the first books that discusses the COVID-19 pandemic. It reminded me of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree in that the main character is just described as The Boy and later on, The Man. This vagueness really allows the allegorical aspects to shine through, because it allows the reader to relate on a personal level to the events. Couldn't we all be The Boy?

The Boy Who Loved Boxes is a picture book. It is very short, obviously, with less than 30 pages. Admittedly, after I read it, I was left feeling like... What the heck did I just read?! It seemed pointless. However, being that it is an allegory, I let the message sink in. The message I gathered: We need to be open with our emotions rather than closed off. When we refuse to address our emotions, and hide them away in "boxes", that is when life becomes overwhelming and miserable. I appreciate and relate to that message, especially at my current stage in life.

Overall, I appreciated the concept of this book and how it was delivered in such short, sparse prose. The illustrations were effective. They did what they needed to do to enhance and accompany the message, but they were not beautiful or stunning on an artistic level.

I'd give this book 3 stars. I could see it easily accompanying a philosophical discussion or a discussion of how our lives have changed since COVID-19 came into existence.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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This is absolutely brilliant. The artwork, the intent, and the overall vibes for this book are relevant for everyone not just during the pandemic but for anyone walking down the path called life.

Thank you, The Weight of Ink, for the advance reading copy.

I absolutely love the idea behind this book. Maybe the tag for children's picture book sound a bit alien when it comes to books like this but the book has a tag saying that "a Children's Book for Adults" which I feel is the perfect description of this book.

We human beings love control in our lives and we want to control everything to make things work out for us. However, there also comes a time when we cannot control everything and we become frustrated. This is perfectly illustrated in the book. However, we can try to ease things when this particular idea of controlling things go out of hand. The book gives an idea on how we can lessen this problem. I absolutely adore the idea. The illustration is phenomenal as it perfectly shows what the author is trying to convey.

Read this book. It's already out!

This book is about an adult trying to find his way through the upheaval of the pandemic in his previously ordered life.

In all honesty, I think the allegory is a bit lost on me. The writing seems a little TOO open for interpretation, so I feel like it's not really clear what the author was going for. I suppose it's a book that will provoke thought and conversation. It really wasn't my cup of tea, but perhaps someone else might get more out of it than I did. The artwork is nice.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. I thank the author and publisher for this opportunity!

The whimsical illustrations in this children's book for adults portrays a heartfelt message that all could learn from. I fully enjoyed this story and look forward to sharing it with kids and adults alike. A conversation starter for sure!