I had a vivid imagination as a child. Book characters stayed with me long after I turned the last page, monsters hid in the closet and lurked in dark corners, and my favorite pastime (besides reading) was to create stories, at first using my toys and then later my imagination alone. My brother was my accomplice during these adventures. My ability to relate to the protagonists of The Cardboard Kingdom sparked my initial interest in this book.
The Cardboard Kingdom is an imaginative story. The stories of the children’s adventures sparked nostalgia for my own childhood when I would go on imaginative adventures with my friends. I could also relate to the older sib
lings and their sibling dynamics. I remember having to take care of my younger brother!
While it can be hard to track all the characters, each story only focuses on one or two of the characters at a time. This lets the reader ease into the world. That said, this is a read that will get better with rereads as the reader’s familiarity with the characters grows.
Personally, I like how the book interweaves the children’s stories. Each story features different characters and may be read on their own or as a chapter in a larger work. Readers will be able to reread their favorite stories on their own and also as a part of the larger work.
Lastly, The Cardboard Kingdom is a diverse read. The stories feature girls and boys with unique personalities, identities, and interests and from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and family situations. Each of them deals with their own issues. What brings them together is the power of the Cardboard Kingdom. That is, their interest in make-believe and the power of the imagination to bring their visions of what-can-be to life.
The Cardboard Kingdom is an imaginative work that portrays the power of the imagination to bring children together and help them work through issues.
Who would I recommend it to?
I recommend The Cardboard Kingdom to readers who enjoy collections of stories that interweave with one another, books with multiple POVs, and books about growing up.
Content
Bullying
Family issues: divorce/separation, neglect / child raised by grandparent, acceptance of child’s traits
Homosexuality / LGBTQ
Making friends, sense of belonging
Chat with Me
What were your favorite childhood monsters? What’s a book that makes you feel nostalgic for your childhood?
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Sara Perrera says
I have been hearing such good things about this book. I like that it can appeal to boys and girls. Adding this to my TBR list for my son.
Crystal says
I hope you son enjoys it as much as (or more than) I did, Sara!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
My granddaughter would love this. She is quick to imagine we are mermaids, pirates, doctors and nurses. Thanks for sharing. I am adding it to my list.
Crystal says
That’s great to hear. I hope she enjoys this one! 🙂