No one saw it arrive. But it came anyway. Monkey found it first. Curious, he poked around and around, looking for a clue - when suddenly the box began to moan . . .
Poor monkey is beside himself as the box recites a rather ominous riddle, giving subtle clues as what kind of creature may be hiding inside. Along with the riddle is an extraordinary double page spread featuring cleverly-hidden creatures - painted into a striking natural scene. There are six creatures in each spread.
Can kids scan the scene and seek out the terrible creature in question?
Next along is crocodile, eager to see what Monkey's fuss is about, but he too is met with a loathsome groan and a spooky riddle about another creature - revealed in the next double page spread.
As each new spread is revealed and a new riddle meanders from the troublesome box, kids have the opportunity to seek out the be-riddled animal, who just happens to appear as the next animal in line to query the mysterious box.
Exquisite illustrations by David Legge are done in watercolour and ink, on beautifully-textured paper, giving the pages a visually tactile feel.
A clever, fun, original and visually-beautiful picture book - kids will love the suspense, the seeking-and-finding and the really funny ending.
A special author/illustrator coupling.
Title: The Fearsome, Frightening, Ferocious Box
Author: Frances Watts
Illustrator: David Legge
Publisher: ABC Books, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 May 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780733328916
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book
