Roxaboxen

Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran is a dreamy, peaceful glimpse into the very real-feeling make-believe world of the author's aunt as a young girl growing up in Yuma, AZ. If you have ever created your own world out of "found objects" or a fort or country that you returned to again and again, you will recognize yourself in this beautiful, simply told tale of the imaginary town of Roxaboxen. (Created from - rocks and boxes - of course!) 

Boys will enjoy the "wars" complete with generals, the whirling swords of ocotillo, and the stamping and running of horses! Girls will get a kick out of Mayor Marion, Frances' house of jewels, and the bakery. Everyone will recognize the children from their own childhood or from their children's friends. Turn the pages and follow Roxaboxen through the seasons but be assured that although the years roll on and the children grew up: Roxaboxen remains.

After reading this gem with its evocative desert illustrations (by Barbara Cooney) you'll want to gather the neighborhood kids and send them forth to build!

This is a keeper.

Maggie