Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla, Thomas B. Allen (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Random House is proud to present the tenth anniversary edition of a book Publishers Weekly called "a gem of a book...a story that goes straight to the heart."  When nine-year-old Gregory experiences several upsets in his life, he responds by creating a fantastic chalk garden on the charred walls of a burned-out factory behind his house.  As his garden grows and flourishes, Gregory finds a voice through his art and, for the first time, is able to find his own place in the world.  The Chalk Box Kid is sure to delight a new generation of children and their parents.  

Publishers Weekly

Bulla's addition to the new Stepping Stone series opens as Gregory's family moves to a smaller house in a poorer part of town; the father has lost his factory job. There is no yard at the new house in which to play, but Gregory explores a nearly burnt-out building that formerly was a chalk factory. Gregory finds plenty of chalk in the debris as he cleans up, and the artist in him soars. Even though the kids at the new school don't accept him readily, Gregory is happyfor him the blackened walls of the building become his giant canvas. Bulla has created a gem of a book, without a wasted word anywhere. He conveys the yearning and passion of a young artist and the healing power of friendship in a story that goes straight to the heart. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-9. (October)

Children's Literature

Gregory's father has lost his job and they are moving to a new house. It is not a very nice house and it is not a very nice neighborhood. To make matters worse, Gregory must share his room with his twenty-two year old uncle. Gregory is having trouble adjusting to school, but he finds solace in the old brick factory next door. It is there that he creates a garden of flowers in chalk on the blank walls. Then through a series of related events, his life and that of his family turns around. A strong story that touches the heart.

Children's Literature

The engaging tale of a boy named Hank and his black Lab, Montana, is sure to be a hit with the young chapter book crowd. After Hank's father dies, Hank, his mother and Montana move to Boulder, Colorado to start a new life. One day, Montana finds an enormous bone in the backyard. Hank's idea to take it to the museum is thwarted when he spies Montana chewing up the bone. Shortly thereafter, Montana starts to act very strange, then look very strange as well! Chewing up the bone has turned Montana into a dragon! Readers will love sharing in the suspense as Hank bravely fights to get his dog back. "A Stepping Stone book."

Product Details