“‘Gift was a gift. Box was a box. Together they were…a package.’ These two take an incredible journey on their way to Sofia’s place. They wait at the post office, are jostled while riding in the mail truck, are placed into a shipping container, and travel across conveyor belts. They finally arrive at Sofia’s house, where both become treasured items for play. This is a sweet, imaginative take on friendship. The bond between Gift and Box is unexpected and heartwarming—though Box sometimes becomes exasperated with Gift’s complaining, Box is always there to reassure and cheer on Gift through frightening and uncertain times. Curious readers will enjoy seeing the steps that packages take to get from place to place, with Gift and Box’s exploits providing an insider’s perspective. Both have expressive faces that help convey their reactions to different parts of their trip. The collagelike illustrations give texture to clothing and piles of packages and a very realistic look to Box’s cardboard exterior. Grandma and Sofia are brown-skinned; Sofia has dark, puffy hair in ponytails.

This story is absolutely the full package.” —Kirkus Reviews 

“Everyone likes receiving packages, and young readers will learn how one box travels to its destination while anticipating what surprise is in store for Sofia.” —School Library Journal

“Whether they like shapes, transportation, humor, or just a satisfying story of friendship, kids will love following the pair’s journey … Kids will grow as fond of Gift and Box as any other character they’ve met in a story and may gain a whole new perspective when the next mail-order delivery arrives.” —Cyrisse Jaffee, The Arts Fuse

“Mayer’s realistic dialogue creates a wonderful read-aloud story that can give adults and kids a fun way to interact while reading … The details of their journey make perfect prompts to discuss patience, fear, anxiety, and disappointment as well as new experiences, teamwork, excitement, growing friendships, and imaginative, creative play. Young readers will be delighted by the sweet and surprising ending … An exciting, multi-layered story that kids will ask for again and again, Gift & Box makes a perfect addition to anyone’s gift list for holidays, birthdays, and ‘just because’ days.” – Kathy Lynn of Celebrate Picture Books

• Recommended by Youth Services Book Review (five-star recommendation)
• Recommended by The New York Public Library
• Recommended by TeachingBooks
• Recommended by Reading Rockets
• Recommended by We Are Teachers