A boy sets out on a journey, full of wonder. He comes across an empty box and imagines all the things he can do with it. But when the path he is on splits, the boy must make a decision: to follow the advice of others or to follow his own heart.

A tender, heart-warming illustrated fable about growing up, making choices, and the importance of being true to yourself and listening to your heart.

About the Authors

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon and grew up in five different countries. Like most life journeys, Leila’s has been filled with both good things and not so good things, but all of those things made her who she is today. It’s taken her time, but she’s learned to only take advice that will serve her and to always listen to her heart. Her path ultimately brought her to Singapore where she became a picture book author, something she hadn’t planned on doing, but is so very glad she did. 

Shameer Bismilla is a trained early childhood specialist. He is passionate about literacy instruction and how books can nurture the whole child. This inspired him to co-author The Boy and the Box and The Girl and the Box to create the reader’s journey and challenge societal expectations. Shameer coaches and mentors teachers in literacy instruction as an adjunct lecturer at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development. He also teaches at the German European School in Singapore.

About the Illustrator

Barbara Moxham was born in Munich, raised in Sydney and calls Singapore home. She is so grateful to have grown up with parents who encouraged her creativity and confidence and taught her to be true to herself even when it’s not easy. She has an incurable art and book addiction and a passion for cultivating children’s emotional intelligence, all of which led to her becoming a children’s book illustrator.