The Other Side of the Box (Cardboardia #1)

by Lucy Campagnolo (Author) Richard Fairgray (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Cardboardia

A group of friends must use their ingenuity to save a parallel world that can only be accessed through cardboard boxes in this series starter from Black Sand Beach author Richard Fairgray and Lucy Campagnolo. Perfect for readers ready to step up from Jelly.

When Mac, Masie, and Bird find mysterious tokens in their cereal boxes, they're transported to Cardboardia, a magical land made of paper and cardboard. In this parallel universe to ours, creativity thrives: Every time a box of anything is created in our world, a replica appears there, bringing residents art supplies, food, books, and more. But an evil presence is slowly moving in, threatening to wipe all art and beauty from this paper paradise. It's no mistake that the three friends have been transported through their cardboard portals. Each has a special talent they never knew existed. And only when they figure out to harness them together will they be able to stop the destruction.

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Kirkus

Anyone who has ever made a fortress from cardboard boxes will enjoy this graphic novel about the power of creativity. . . . A whimsical homage to creativity so often lost and overlooked in our digital age.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6--After discovering mysterious tokens, four young people find themselves pulled into a parallel world made of cardboard. The only way for Pokey, Mac, Masie, and Bird to enter this world is through a cardboard box, such as a paper recycling bin. Once there, they discover a creative mecca. But this world is threatened by the Grey Queen, and soon it is revealed that these youth were selected because of the magical gifts that they can harness together to save the kingdom of Cardboardia. The youth and their corresponding families are diverse racially and economically, with different family dynamics. The art is sketchy, featuring big-eyed characters. Fairgray uses different types of panels, with a colorful palette that changes between the worlds. Told in shifting perspectives, the story has an overly complicated beginning and ends in a cliff-hanger; still, readers who love tales of magical worlds will enjoy it. VERDICT This start to a new series will resonate with readers seeking fanciful stories that incorporate friendship, creativity, and problem-solving. --Nancy McKay, Byron P.L., IL

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes





Lucy Campagnolo
Richard Fairgray is a New Zealand-born, award-winning, author illustrator of comics and picture books. He draws, colors, and animates his work, in spite of being legally blind. He has published over two hundrer comics, including the New Zealand bestselling Blastosaurus, graphic novel series Black Sand Beach, and his picture books, which are recognized world-wide.

Originally from New Zealand and now based in London, Lucy Campagnolo has a background in film, working on every aspect from production through to the art department. Lucy's keen understanding of visual narratives brings a depth to the world building in Cardboardia, her first comic title. Lucy loves to explore the world, meeting new people, gaining new experiences and playing with new dogs. Her current goal is to obtain her own crumbling castle, be it through luck, sorcery, or by simply overthrowing a king.
Classification
-
ISBN-13
9781645950400
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Pixel+ink
Publication date
September 07, 2021
Series
Cardboardia
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV008040 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Action & Adventure
JUV008110 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Humorous
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Graphic novels
Imaginary places
Ability
Comics (Graphic works)
Cooperation

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