Berta's Boxes

This book was super creative and well executed!! Berta's Boxes teaches children that they shouldn't hide their feelings away in order to be a "better child" for their parents, by way of the metaphor of "boxing up" your feelings. The message of this book was great, and one I don't see a lot of children's picture books talk about. Even as an adult I'm definitely guilty of hiding away my feelings in order to keep everybody around me happy, which is a super bad habit, and one I definitely don't want any child replicating. The illustrations in this book were so cute, and the overall message and execution were wonderful! Thank you for the ARC!

Berta on the outside appears perfect. She is neat and tidy, never lets her anger get the best of her, and never cries. She has a method that keeps everything, to those observing her, in check. Whenever she can't cope she opens a colour-coded box and deposits a particular emotion inside. Then she puts a lid on the box and seals it. Great idea right? Mmmmm...well maybe not...

This method always works until one day Berta's emotions become uncontrollable and she blows! There is not enough space inside all of those boxes to contain how she feels. This is the tipping point when Berta discovers that emotions should be felt, discussed, and sorted out. They are not to be locked up, shoved away and left to fester inside.

This is a wonderful story that deals with learning to understand and express what you are feeling. This book is a great catalyst to help kids ( and perhaps some adults ) discuss and manage their emotions. I love the illustrations which enrich the positive and inspirational message of the book. I recommend "Berta's Boxes".