The Very Angry Toolbox

The Very Angry Toolbox by Mike J.B. is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book for Children. What makes it different from the many Children's books in the market is that it contains sumptuous texts. The illustrations highlight aspects of the story, but this book is written for children who can read. The narrative starts in the middle and moves back to explore events leading up to the climax — the birthday of the protagonist. Characters like grandad and Leroy’s father are well-developed and readers will love to examine the impact they have on the young character.

It is Christmas Eve, one of the busiest days in the Boulder family. It also happens to be Leroy's eighth birthday. And for his birthday, he wants a toolbox, just like his dad's. When he visits the industrial mart, he discovers a toolbox that sits alone on a shelf. Intrigued, he tries to find out why it is all alone and angry. Leroy discovers the toolbox has no friends and that the toolbox's desire to be useful has never been fulfilled. Before getting the toolbox, Leroy has to make sure it will change: “If I was to take you home today, do you think you could change? My friends and I are kind, and we don’t like angry and unfriendly people.” Friendship, love, and acceptance are the principal themes in this delightful tale.

The Very Angry Toolbox is an engaging tale that will help children explore the importance of being loved. The toolbox's frustration and anger are emotions that many people have ignored because they only see the reaction of the toolbox without caring to find out why it behaves the way it does. Leroy is a kid with compassion and his curiosity drives him to engage with the angry toolbox. He is sensitive and intelligent. It is interesting to notice that each tool has a history, a story that involves helping people. My seven-year-old daughter read this book to me and we discussed the different emotions of the characters. While it explores the relationship between a young boy and his family in the one hand, it also examines solitude and rejection and what it does to individuals. A wonderful story with many lessons for children.