Box tales

Gr 1--4--No one loves strawberries more than Bea and Box, who is, of course, a talking cardboard box. In fact, they love them so much they set a goal to eat one billion strawberries; however, they have eaten all the strawberries they have at home, and Bea's mom will not buy any more. So, Bea and Box set out on a quest to grow the billion strawberries they will need to accomplish their goal. After a failed attempt without help, with a fact-finding mission to the local library, a visit to their gardening neighbor, Mrs. Gomez, lots of patience, and a night spent sleeping outside to protect their plants from squirrels, Bea and Box are finally successful in growing some strawberries, though not a billion. This is a hilariously entertaining yet extremely educational book on the processes of germination, gardening, and food production. The author succeeds in understanding a child's impatience and gives a very realistic introduction to the fun and satisfaction of growing one's own food, as well as the difficulties and pitfalls. The representation in this book is also well done, with the three adults (Bea's mom, the librarian, and Mrs. Gomez) all appearing to be people of color from varying backgrounds, and Mrs. Gomez speaks to Bea and Box using some Spanish words and phrases. As a special treat at the end, Bea and Box provide a visual recipe for strawberry lemonade. VERDICT Be prepared to deal with amused and exasperated parents as this hilarious introduction to gardening will have young readers laughing, learning, and running home to grow their own favorite foods.--Kasey Swords

Two friends cultivate a sweet snack. Bea and BFF Box (a sentient cardboard container) are so excited for strawberry season that when they get their hands on the delectable fruit, they devour it all in one sitting. Although they beg for more, Mom refuses to purchase additional strawberries; the fruit is expensive. She will, however, support them in growing their own strawberries. Bea and Box set off optimistically, planting green strawberry tops and watching their pile of dirt obsessively. Nothing sprouts, but after a little research at the library and a lot of guidance from their neighbor Mrs. Gomez, a knowledgeable gardener, they plant seedlings that ever so slowly begin to bear fruit. Blending a gardening primer with a buddy comedy, this graphic novel smartly captures the hard work, patience, and luck it takes to grow one's own food and, by extension, encourages readers to appreciate the sweet treats they gobble up. Burks' agreeably over-the-top cartoon artwork leans into the drama; Bea and Box's gung-ho partnership is infectiously enjoyable. These two have a lot to learn, but they're ready to meet the challenge. Bea and her mom have brown hair and olive skin; Mrs. Gomez welcomes them in Spanish and is cued Latine. A playful, fact-filled adventure in gardening.(Graphic informational fiction. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.