The Box

A sensitive book about reaching out to a new friend, perfect for fostering social-emotional learning.

One day a mysterious box arrives in the woods. Bear, Fox, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Owl can all see that something—someone—is hiding inside. But why won’t that someone come out? Maybe the stranger is scared or having a horrible day. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past and don’t know who to trust anymore. Who is the creature inside the box? How can the animals reassure them and introduce them to their amazing new home?

Told through playful, pastel-colored illustrations, The Box is a gentle story about meeting others where they are. Kindness, patience, and a little creativity can help us find the most wonderful friends.

Isabella Paglia is an Italian author who has written over a dozen children's books. Her titles have received multiple awards across Italy, including the Pippi Prize and the "Giacomo Giulitto" National Prize for Children's Literature. The Box is Isabella's English-language debut. Visit her website at isabellapaglia.info.

Paolo Proietti is the illustrator of Before We Sleep and the upcoming The Friendship Surprise (both Red Comet Press). Often inspired by Studio Ghibli films, Paolo uses soft pastels and chalks to create his illustrations. He lives in Rome. Follow Paolo on Instagram @pallo_illustrations.

Laura Watkinson translates books for children and adults from Italian, German, and Dutch. Her translations have received numerous honors, including three Mildred L. Batchelder Awards and the Vondel Translation Prize. She is the founder of the Dutch chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SBCWI). Laura lives in the Netherlands. Visit her website at laurawatkinson.com.