Secret in the Matchbox

by Val Willis

Bobby takes his matchbox containing an awesome secret to school, where the class slowly and horrifyingly becomes involved with the contents.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dragons

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[Dennis Graham]

The Secret in the Matchbox by Vall Willis is a unique story about a student in the school who had a dragon in side of his matchbox that gradually grows to large proportions inside the classroom. The illustrations are captivating while grasping the audience with is peculiar plot and flow of the story. I feel this is one of the most unique children's books. Its illustrations are captivating a full of life and color. The various perspectives that the artist decides to use gives a dramatic feel to the dragon. The texture of the images almost appears to derive from Japanese animation through the thin lines of pencil and ink. The story has little to no plot and lacks any obvious morals, yet grasp the attention of children and creatively puts yourself in the main characters shoes. The text gives an eerie, mysterious feel, full of wonder to hold the audience attention to what comes next.

[Theresa]

This is possibly the greatest, greatest children's picture-book of all time. I was pretty much completely obsessed with this book as a child..."He curled his fingers around his matchbox and smiled a secret smile"...If anyone can find this book for a reasonable price online will she/he let me know? The two, used copies on Amazon.ca are 100 bucks a pop wtf.

[Kathleen Porter]

Nice use of repetition. "He smiled a secret smile." Evocative illustrations by John Shelley. Cautionary tale for the good and polite; unflattering portrayal of schoolteacher and school. A nod to the trickster...

[Sheherazahde]

When Bobby Bell brings a dragon to school in inside a matchbox he knows there is going to be trouble. [return][return]This is a beautiful children's book with delightful detailed illustrations.

[Jonathan Good]

My high rating is based solely on the fact that I still remember this book this many years later.

[Grace]

What a bizarre story. I take issue with the way politeness is represented differently for different genders. I also don't super get the value that this provides for kiddos. What is the moral here? "Sometimes you must keep secrets"? "Your secrets are yours to flaunt, but bear in mind that sometimes they may prove deeply harmful and you have to pull them back into the confines of your own mind to spare everyone the suffering that you alone must carry"? The 5 and 7 year old kiddos love it though. I'm still working that one out

[Meghan]

Kids getting to have secrets, man. I haven't seen that in many recent children's books. It's so delightful, and the border pictures are as enthralling as ever.

[jenna Hudrlik]

good story and fun illustrations