BOX TALES

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.