The Boy in the Big Black Box
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Wee Willie has been incarcerated in the magic disappearing box by his wicked uncle, but never fear! Joe, Laurie, and Theo gallop to the rescue, resolving the half-cast spell, and rescuing Willie. A new adventure for the three heroes of The Dog in the Diamond Collar, in which their investigative powers and their courage are once more used to great effect!
Age
7-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he first discovered the big black box?
What would you have done if you found a similar box?
Why is it important to share secrets or worries with others?
What do you think the main message of this story is?
How did the boy change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open body language and maintain eye contact to make your child feel comfortable during the discussion.
Validate your child's feelings and thoughts as they express them, showing that their opinions are valued and important.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the boy’s situation, prompting empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s emotions.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child's world to enhance relatability and retention of the story's messages.
End the conversation by asking your child about their personal takeaways from the story to gauge their understanding and moral reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, despite feeling afraid, decides to confront the daunting big black box in his room. His journey of overcoming his fear is detailed poignantly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or sleeping alone in the dark. Courage is about facing what scares us and growing stronger from the experience.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The boy's decision to explore the box sparks an adventure, showing how curiosity leads to new discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek out new experiences. Whether it’s learning about insects in the backyard or exploring a new book, curiosity enhances cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As the boy meets different characters who also fear the big black box, he learns to understand and empathize with their feelings.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that everyone has fears, and that understanding others’ feelings is crucial in building friendships and social connections.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The story highlights how the boy faces multiple obstacles but keeps pushing forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence and resilience are important when facing difficult tasks or when things don’t go as planned. This can apply to school work, sports, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The big black box serves as a catalyst for imaginative play and creative thinking as the boy imagines various scenarios and outcomes.
Real-World Application: This book inspires children to use their imagination to create their own worlds, enhancing creativity and providing a mental space where they are free to express themselves and think innovatively.