Introduction

A child’s imagination is a wonderful world of creative innocence.  Perhaps nothing is impossible in a child’s creative mind.

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A box is just a box . . . unless it’s not a box.

This little book is dedicated ‘to children everywhere sitting cardboard boxes.  It perfectly captures the amazing capacity of a child’s imagination to create endless possibilities out of a humble box.

 

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A child’s imagination can change a twig into a magic wand or a cardboard box into a castle…..

“This highly recommended tribute to the imagination is comprised of delightful pictures and three clever and entertaining stories.” –Booklist, starred review

 

Mabel and Sam at Home: One Brave Journey in Three Adventures

Mabel and Sam have just moved, and their house is filled with movers and shouting and boxes and blankets.  There were many places where Mabel and Sam could be tripped over or smooshed.  There was one safe place……. the empty boxes,   

and that is how Mabel became a Sea Captain. In this three-part picture book of moving houses and imaginative play, Mabel and Sam sail the high seas of their new home.  They tour the intriguing museum of their living room and enjoy looking at familiar things.   Finally, after dinner, they take an imaginary trip through space from their own beds.  At the end of the story, Mabel concludes that their move was for the best ……“Our old planet was getting crowded.”  🙂


“And they were off, sailing left on the high seas”

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Imaginative play allows kids to relax, let go, and just be kids. 

When children use their imaginations to role-play scenarios they have seen, experienced or would like to experience, it is open-ended, unstructured play, with no rules, goals, or result – except that kids learn a lot along the way. Imaginative play can include pretending to cook, clean, slay dragons, sail the oceans or fly in outer space.

Imaginary play is also critical to the development of a child’s language and thinking skills. By mimicking conversations they hear while observing everyday life, children will develop their own conversational skills and make connections between their own enchanted world and real life. This connection is crucial to engaging a child’s critical thinking skills and taking them into higher level thinking.

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Household Items That Support Imaginary Play 

  • Boxes

  • Old Clothing Items

  • Old Phone and Magazines

  • Kitchen Utensils

  • Blankets and Old sheets

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And finally, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak is a treasured book about the power of  a child’s imagination. 

“Max, a wild and naughty boy, is sent to bed without his supper by his exhausted mother. In his room, he imagines sailing far away to a land of Wild Things. Instead of eating him, the Wild Things make Max their king.”