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The Imagination Box #1
The Imagination Box
There is a box. Anything you imagine will appear inside. You have one go, one chance to create anything you want. What would you pick?" That's exactly the question ten-year-old Timothy Hart gets to answer after discovering The Imagination Box. The greatest toy on earth. The top-secret contraption transforms his life but when the box's inventor, Professor Eisenstone, goes missing, Tim knows he has to investigate. With the help of a talking finger monkey called Phil, he sets out to find the professor. In order to rescue his friend, he must face his darkest fears and discover the true potential of his own mind.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2015
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134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 8, 2015
So here’s the thing: I want Phil. I’m not going to beat around the bush and waffle on – I want Phil. That suave talking finger monkey has got to be one of the best things ever. So please can I have my own?
The Imagination Box is a great idea. According to the inventor, Professor Eisenstone, there are restrictions – such as you can’t have ‘hot ice’ (you’d get water) but Tim’s imagination conjures up much more than the Professor expected. Including Phil, who we’ve already established is absolutely brilliant and has by far the best lines.
I thought the pacing and story worked, I ended up reading the whole book in one. This is the first in a trilogy but definitely a complete story. Actually I’m rather curious what the second book has in store.
Yes Phil the finger monkey made the book for me but The Imagination Box has a strong premise. I mean if you had that box – what would you wish for?
The Imagination Box is a great idea. According to the inventor, Professor Eisenstone, there are restrictions – such as you can’t have ‘hot ice’ (you’d get water) but Tim’s imagination conjures up much more than the Professor expected. Including Phil, who we’ve already established is absolutely brilliant and has by far the best lines.
I thought the pacing and story worked, I ended up reading the whole book in one. This is the first in a trilogy but definitely a complete story. Actually I’m rather curious what the second book has in store.
Yes Phil the finger monkey made the book for me but The Imagination Box has a strong premise. I mean if you had that box – what would you wish for?
March 22, 2016
Despite being recently adopted, 10 year old Tim is lonely. His best friends are his pencil and sketch pad. Tim's new dad is busy traveling for his work and his new mom is busy scolding him for mussing up the hotel she runs, which happens to be their home. On his way to sneak some treats, Tim meets Professor Eisenstone. The Professor has a secret...he's created a machine that will create whatever you imagine! Tim not only discovers the box but finds out that he has the power to use it! The Professor is abducted and Tim, his new pet finger monkey Phil, and the Professor's granddaughter Dee must save him. This book starts with a clever idea, but then gets a bit convoluted at the end. It's like starting to watch "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" but then have it change to "Jumanji" 2/3rds of the way through. Some images may be disturbing for younger readers at the story's conclusion (distorted monster, death, insanity). Perhaps book 2 will be a smoother ride. (This was an ARC)
May 7, 2018
Timothy is an orphaned boy who has been adopted by a couple who runs a hotel. While the couple seems to care for him, Tim often feels that he is in their way or a nuisance to them. When a scientist comes to stay at the hotel Tim finds someone that he can talk to and soon discovers that his scientist friend has created a box that will make anything you imagine become real. But the disappearance of the scientist leaves Tim looking for answers as he tries to keep the invention out of the wrong hands.
Good for ages 9 and up.
Good for ages 9 and up.
December 11, 2018
This was such a fun read, and I LOVED Phil the monkey. A lot seems to happen at the end and I could barely keep up, and some of the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, but generally I really enjoyed it and I think the target audience would too. 3.5 stars.
October 14, 2017
Summary: Tim is an average child with a strong imagination, who happens to be an orphan. There are several things that he wishes he could change about his life. What will happen when the opportunity is presented to him, will he take it? Tim meets Dr. Eisenstone who has invented the imagination box. With this box, all you need to do is put on a special hat and anything that you imagine will become a reality. However, the professor has a hard time getting it working after it broke. With the help of Tim, he gets the box working again. Tim uses the box to enhance his below average life. Everything seems to be going fine until suddenly the professor disappears. He has been kidnapped! Follow Tim in his mind-boggling journey to find the professor. Will he be able to save him in time?
Questions:
1. If you had the ability and the materials to invent something, what would you invent? Why? What would it be used for? Explain your answer.
2. Do you think that the Imagination Box is a good idea? Elaborate. Once you put on a special hat, anything that you imagine will come true. Do you think that this could produce negative things? If yes, explain.
3.Suppose you are Tim. What things would you have done differently throughout the story? What would you have done to prevent the professor from being kidnapped?
4. The book ends rather abruptly. Based on what you know about Tim, predict what you think will happen in the next book.
5. Give your opinion of why you believe Tim was scared to use his imagination to find Dr. Eisenstone. Defend your answer and provide in-text proof.
Citation:
Ford, M. (2016). The Imagination Box. New York City, NY. Delacorte Press
Questions:
1. If you had the ability and the materials to invent something, what would you invent? Why? What would it be used for? Explain your answer.
2. Do you think that the Imagination Box is a good idea? Elaborate. Once you put on a special hat, anything that you imagine will come true. Do you think that this could produce negative things? If yes, explain.
3.Suppose you are Tim. What things would you have done differently throughout the story? What would you have done to prevent the professor from being kidnapped?
4. The book ends rather abruptly. Based on what you know about Tim, predict what you think will happen in the next book.
5. Give your opinion of why you believe Tim was scared to use his imagination to find Dr. Eisenstone. Defend your answer and provide in-text proof.
Citation:
Ford, M. (2016). The Imagination Box. New York City, NY. Delacorte Press
August 25, 2019
Lonely ten-year-old Tim lives at Dawn Star Hotel with his adoptive parents, Lisa and Chris, who pretty much leave him to entertain himself. When he meets scientist and inventor Professor Eisenstone and accidentally harnesses his imagination to the professor’s mind-harnessing machine, creating a burnt sausage, the professor declares him a genius (with an admonition to keep this a secret). Emboldened, Tim corrals his fertile thoughts and produces a miniature monkey as a play companion. His best creation, an Imagination Box of his own, comes with its own nightmare consequences. When Professor Eisenstone disappears, Tim enlists the aid of the professor’s granddaughter, Dee, to search for him. In a horrific turn of events with several narrow escapes, Tim uncovers a complicated, sinister plot against Professor Eisenstone that began decades earlier. The cliffhanger ending, fueled by Tim’s glimpse into the soul of evil and his unbridled imagination, sets readers up for the next book in this science fiction trilogy.
January 3, 2018
The book started off well and did have some interesting twists however some of the storyline was annoyingly obvious (spoiler: the cop acted guilty the entire book and then, surprise surprise, was guilty). Perhaps a younger reader might not see this coming? It's sometimes hard to put yourself back into the mind frame of your younger self but I suspect even if I were younger I would have seen this coming. This kind of spoiled the last few chapters for me. However, one of my students read it last year and seemed to enjoy it so it might be a hit with the right reader.
October 21, 2022
A great, fun children’s book that explores the endless possibilities you can create with your imagination. Tim is adopted and a lonely boy. When he meets a scientist who shares his invention with him things get a lot more exciting for him. The scientist has created a box that makes whatever you imagine, but unsurprisingly there are others that want to get their hands on it and the power it holds. When the scientist goes missing, Tim decides to find out what has happened. This takes him on an exciting journey that ends in a whole host of friends and an end to his loneliness.
November 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading this, however, it doesn’t have me reaching for the next book in the series. I found it a little predictable. Having said that, I love the concept of the imagination box, now that would be fun.
February 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, but didn't care for the ending. It felt like a younger read chapter book until a deeper ending that would go over the heads of most in that age category.
January 8, 2018
The writing was sloppy and lazy, and the imagination box was a easy way out for the author to proceed with the events... Could have been so much better.
December 22, 2021
Listened to this on Audible to and from school with the kids. They really enjoyed it and like with other reviews, Phil was decidedly the best character.
September 1, 2022
Kids enjoyed this one, could definitely have been shorter and a bit tighter overall, felt like there was a few unnecessary meanderings but it had some good moments.
March 14, 2023
Great idea, and lots of potential for sequels. The characters are fairly standard for junior fiction.
October 1, 2023
I am 40, but I really loved this book!! It may be aimed at kids, but I loved the escapism and am going on to read book 2 in the series!
May 27, 2025
Recommended by my 12 year old nephew and I can see why he recommended it.
March 23, 2017
My overall feeling on this book is that it was solid and dependable. Interesting idea (although not entirely unique), a bit of mystery and intrigue to keep the story moving, and an amusing sidekick. Nothing really stands out for me, but I was entertained enough to finish it.
January 27, 2021
The first book which I read was when I was 12 and it was this one...
I really didn't used to read books before I found this on the shelves in the library of my school and I really liked the cover of it as a kid and it stands on my expectations...
it's a page turner man!! Loved it
I really didn't used to read books before I found this on the shelves in the library of my school and I really liked the cover of it as a kid and it stands on my expectations...
it's a page turner man!! Loved it
September 17, 2016
The beginning of the story draws the reader in. The ending was rough. Death, insanity, lots of issues going on that the author tries to tie up. I was thinking of using this with a student book club, not any more.
March 13, 2016
Tim langweilt sich im Hotel seiner Adoptiveltern. Er lebt wie ein Gast, für den es von Verboten und Hindernissen nur so wimmelt. Malen in der Lobby ist verboten, Essen aus der Küche stibitzen natürlich auch, ins oberste Stockwerk darf er auf keinen Fall und Gäste belästigen noch weniger.
Doch einer der Gäste, Professor Eisenstein mag Tim und lädt ihn zu sich ins Zimmer ein. Er zeigt ihm seine neueste Erfindung, eine geheimnisvolle Kiste voller Drähte, eine Wunschbox, die alles erschaffen kann, was Tim sich ausdenkt. Tim erdenkt sich einen neuen Freund, ein sprechendes Zwergseidenäffchen. Tim ist begeistert, aber der Professor fühlt sich bedroht. Er hat Angst, dass seine Erfindung in kriminelle Hände gerät. Als der Professor kurz darauf verschwindet, ohne sich von Tim zu verabschieden, begibt Tim sich auf die Suche nach ihm.
Das Hörbuch wird von Uve Teschner hervorragend in verschiedenen Stimmlagen gesprochen. Es ist immer klar, ob Tim, der Professor oder das Äffchen sprechen. Später, wenn mehr Personen hinzukommen, wird es ein wenig kniffliger, aber der Sprecher macht es dem Zuhörer leicht. Zusätzlich wird selbstverständlich auch durch den Text deutlich, wer gerade spricht.
Die Geschichte ist für Kinder ab zehn Jahren geeignet. Jüngere Kinder würden manches nicht verstehen und das Ende wäre vielleicht doch etwas schwer verdaulich und zu gewalttätig für sie.
Das Hörbuch hat mich ganz gut unterhalten, obwohl ich nicht gerade zur Zielgruppe gehöre. Es ist spannend, logisch aufgebaut und mit vielen interessanten Wendungen und Ideen. Für Kinder kann ich es auf jeden Fall wärmsten empfehlen.
Doch einer der Gäste, Professor Eisenstein mag Tim und lädt ihn zu sich ins Zimmer ein. Er zeigt ihm seine neueste Erfindung, eine geheimnisvolle Kiste voller Drähte, eine Wunschbox, die alles erschaffen kann, was Tim sich ausdenkt. Tim erdenkt sich einen neuen Freund, ein sprechendes Zwergseidenäffchen. Tim ist begeistert, aber der Professor fühlt sich bedroht. Er hat Angst, dass seine Erfindung in kriminelle Hände gerät. Als der Professor kurz darauf verschwindet, ohne sich von Tim zu verabschieden, begibt Tim sich auf die Suche nach ihm.
Das Hörbuch wird von Uve Teschner hervorragend in verschiedenen Stimmlagen gesprochen. Es ist immer klar, ob Tim, der Professor oder das Äffchen sprechen. Später, wenn mehr Personen hinzukommen, wird es ein wenig kniffliger, aber der Sprecher macht es dem Zuhörer leicht. Zusätzlich wird selbstverständlich auch durch den Text deutlich, wer gerade spricht.
Die Geschichte ist für Kinder ab zehn Jahren geeignet. Jüngere Kinder würden manches nicht verstehen und das Ende wäre vielleicht doch etwas schwer verdaulich und zu gewalttätig für sie.
Das Hörbuch hat mich ganz gut unterhalten, obwohl ich nicht gerade zur Zielgruppe gehöre. Es ist spannend, logisch aufgebaut und mit vielen interessanten Wendungen und Ideen. Für Kinder kann ich es auf jeden Fall wärmsten empfehlen.
July 1, 2015
4.5 stars
Total wish-fulfilment plot: a device that you can connect your brain to, and whatever you think of comes into existence. Great idea for a children's book.
Tim is a future artist, he is always drawing. Adopted by the very busy owners of a hotel, he is often left to his own devices and knows his way around the building. A new guest intrigues him and it isn't long before his inquisitiveness lands him in the middle of a plot with a box at its heart - a box that can create anything you could dream of. Finger monkeys for example... or burnt sausages. Don't ask.
The plot of intrigue woven around Tim and Professor Eisenstone is a little silly, but just right for this sort of book. The best parts for me were the moments where objects are created - Phil the finger monkey is a great little character, with his perfect English and never-ending hunger he's a good sidekick.
I wanted more to come of Tim's drawing abilities, I thought that would be more central to the plot but nothing came of it. The plot turns as evil forces come to steal the Imagination Box and Eisenstone goes missing. It's then a case of Tim working out WHO and WHY would want it, and then using his resources and friends to help effect a rescue.
A nice ending, with loose endings tied up and a little moral thrown in.
This is a fun read for 8-12 year olds, and would make a great group read in KS2 classes, with lots of lesson opportunities possible.
Total wish-fulfilment plot: a device that you can connect your brain to, and whatever you think of comes into existence. Great idea for a children's book.
Tim is a future artist, he is always drawing. Adopted by the very busy owners of a hotel, he is often left to his own devices and knows his way around the building. A new guest intrigues him and it isn't long before his inquisitiveness lands him in the middle of a plot with a box at its heart - a box that can create anything you could dream of. Finger monkeys for example... or burnt sausages. Don't ask.
The plot of intrigue woven around Tim and Professor Eisenstone is a little silly, but just right for this sort of book. The best parts for me were the moments where objects are created - Phil the finger monkey is a great little character, with his perfect English and never-ending hunger he's a good sidekick.
I wanted more to come of Tim's drawing abilities, I thought that would be more central to the plot but nothing came of it. The plot turns as evil forces come to steal the Imagination Box and Eisenstone goes missing. It's then a case of Tim working out WHO and WHY would want it, and then using his resources and friends to help effect a rescue.
A nice ending, with loose endings tied up and a little moral thrown in.
This is a fun read for 8-12 year olds, and would make a great group read in KS2 classes, with lots of lesson opportunities possible.
October 17, 2016
Ten-year-old Tim isn't sure how much his adoptive parents care about him. After all, his new father seems busy with his work, and his new mother spends all her time and energy on the hotel which she runs and where they live. But a chance encounter with Professor Eisenstone changes his life. The scientist has invented a box that can turn whatever is in someone's imagination into something real. He hasn't been able to get it to work until Tim tests it out. As it turns out, Tim has just the fertile imagination needed to make the machine work, and he even conjures up a finger monkey named Phil who can speak and soaks up information like a sponge. But when his new friend disappears, Tim knows that something is wrong, and enlists the help of the man's granddaughter, Dee, in figuring out his whereabouts. I loved the irrepressible and brave Phil, and I enjoyed seeing Tim come into his own and get his heart's desire, which is something quite simple. Intermediate readers are sure to enjoy the bit of intrigue and scenes of science gone terribly wrong as they read this book, and I'm sure anyone reading it will have to ask themselves what they might create if they could create anything in that box.
April 20, 2015
Tim is an adventurous 10 year old who lives in the hotel his adoptive parents run. When a professor stays in the hotel, Tim discovers his invention, and is able to make it work. When the professor goes missing, Tim joins up with the professor’s granddaughter to work out what’s going on.
There’s quite a mix within this book – firstly is the main adventure, complete with crazy scientists, people who aren’t who they seem, and the technology. Within are also other issues, such as Tim’s relationship with his adoptive parents, and overcoming his fears.
Central to the story is of course the Imagination Box, asking the reader to consider for themselves.. just what would they wish for for themselves? One of the first things Tim makes is a finger monkey – of course – who’s probably the star of the story. The monkey is called Phil, he talks, and he loves chocolate and bananas!
The Imagination Box is the first in a trilogy, aimed at age 9+, with a mix of adventure and humour.
There’s quite a mix within this book – firstly is the main adventure, complete with crazy scientists, people who aren’t who they seem, and the technology. Within are also other issues, such as Tim’s relationship with his adoptive parents, and overcoming his fears.
Central to the story is of course the Imagination Box, asking the reader to consider for themselves.. just what would they wish for for themselves? One of the first things Tim makes is a finger monkey – of course – who’s probably the star of the story. The monkey is called Phil, he talks, and he loves chocolate and bananas!
The Imagination Box is the first in a trilogy, aimed at age 9+, with a mix of adventure and humour.
January 11, 2017
"There is a box. Anything you imagine will appear inside. You have one go, one chance to create anything you want. What would you pick?"
So the story starts, with the promise of mystery, scientific innovation, and quirky, fun characters--however, it falls a little short. There are many humorous scenes, especially when Phil the finger monkey is involved, and while the characters are mostly likable and interesting, they also feel inconsistent. Dee's character fell a little flat and I wanted to know more about Tim's relationship with his adoptive parents. There seemed to be a lot of loose ends, but not in a cliffhanger, can't-wait-for-the-sequel way, more like the author threw in some potentially juicy bits and then promptly forgot them. Overall, a little disappointed by this book which had so much potential to be great.
3.5 stars
So the story starts, with the promise of mystery, scientific innovation, and quirky, fun characters--however, it falls a little short. There are many humorous scenes, especially when Phil the finger monkey is involved, and while the characters are mostly likable and interesting, they also feel inconsistent. Dee's character fell a little flat and I wanted to know more about Tim's relationship with his adoptive parents. There seemed to be a lot of loose ends, but not in a cliffhanger, can't-wait-for-the-sequel way, more like the author threw in some potentially juicy bits and then promptly forgot them. Overall, a little disappointed by this book which had so much potential to be great.
3.5 stars
October 2, 2015
Love, love, love!
From the awesome plot, hilarious moments of adventure and chaos, to the utterly fantastic characters this book is a must read for anyone aged 9+.
I would very much like my own Imagination Box!
From the awesome plot, hilarious moments of adventure and chaos, to the utterly fantastic characters this book is a must read for anyone aged 9+.
I would very much like my own Imagination Box!
February 2, 2017
We had a hard time getting into this book. Although the concept was really interesting, the characters were not and the plot was tedious.
August 14, 2015
I personally didn't like the book I found it a bit of a bore I thanked it's aimed for younger children
April 17, 2016
Great. full of imaginative what-ifs. Also the coolest idea for a comoanion/pet in Phil a finger - monkey, I want one too. Lots of lively action to readers entertained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews