The Toolbox

by Anne Rockwell, Harlow Rockwell

Anne and Harlow Rockwell's preschool classic still shines with a well-crafted simplicity that speaks to the desire young children feel to make something uniquely their own.

Look inside this well-loved toolbox-there is so much to discover! It holds strong wrenches that turn, pliers that pinch, and sandpaper that smoothes. There are nails, screws, and a hammer. A toolbox is a treasure trove for curious young builders. When they're not running to explore their own tool collections, children will be glued to this book, exploring the shapes, names, and useful jobs of common hand tools.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Construction

20 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple book that explained items that could be found in a toolbox. It was sweet because you found out who the narrator was and who the toolbox belonged to at the end. Overall, it was a quick read. The illustrations did an excellent job of showing the different tools.

[Sasha Dofflemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book. Great when a short, sweet bedtime story is all that there is time for.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for toddlers who like real things. It can be used in any building / construction units. A handy introduction to everyday tools.

[Daniel Pool · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good one. Art style very inspired by Ezra Jack Keats (in a good way!)

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, sweet little book that goes through a toolbox. Littles that are interested in tools will enjoy this.

[Freddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four months old - seemed fairly engaged. A fun introduction to tools. Would be better as a toddler book than a baby board book.

[Jenna Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice simple introduction to tools for a child.

[Maren B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like Dada’s garage! - Maren, 4 months

[Addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. 2 year old liked it

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduction to tools. Very simple.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This board book is one I remember vaguely from childhood. It very simply illustrates what some tools are and what they do and how they're used. I can see how it might be interesting for a child who may have seen these tools before (and who hasn't?) but doesn't know what they're called. In the back of my mind, I thought that if it were written today, it might have a twist at the end where it turns out that the toolbox belongs to the child's mother instead of the father but I digress...

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this many years ago (which makes sense, considering it was first published in 1971). The illustrations offer a clear depiction of common tools and the simple text offers a basic introduction to their use. The book is not a story, merely a list, and could stand independently without the last two pages ("It is my father's toolbox."). I include this book in the classroom alongside others related to tools and their use.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked it up from our library with my 2 year old daughter today to read as one of our bedtime stories.
She honestly wasn't too interested in listening to this story.
I think it would been nicer for her if they made the shiny or the sandpaper feel rough like her touch and feel books.
I won't be buying this book to add to our collection.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple illustrations and descriptions of the different types of tools that will fascinate any child who is interested in tools. Personally, I don't mind at all that it ends with "It is my father's toolbox," although a version with mother and father working together on a project could be nice. "It is my parents' toolbox." :) Our copy is worn out.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets 5 stars based on how much my son loves it. He's really into tools so this book is perfect for him. We have to read it multiple times a day but on the plus side he now knows the words pliers and wire!

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to various tools. I got this out for Natalie because we see it almost every week and because we've done some improvements recently and she's seen tools about. She paid attention, but wasn't that interested in this one.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* art
4* story

Squirt can read this book to me, he knows every tool, and always pretends to drink from the oilcan - Yuck! This is one of those books that has expanded his vocabulary and understanding of how things work.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book simply shows and describes the contents of a toolbox. My tool-loving three-year-old son was mesmerized by it. And I appreciated the beautiful, clear, simple illustrations and text.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple text which could be used, maybe skipping a few pages, for the little ones
An easy-to-read description of the basic tools found in a toolbox.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice drawings. Story illustrates a boy seeing various tools in his father's tool box. Very nice art (e.g., one drawing shows a set of well oiled work gloves with interesting stains).

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

No story here, just a description of what's in dad's toolbox. Simple, easily identifiable pictures, great for a toddler who is learning to name household objects.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really simple board book with clean illustrations that sparked my son's interest in tools.

[dave]

This would be a great class project book. I should try to find a copy of this to use as example.

[Julie]

Ma & Dahdayee read this to me!!

[Siomara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may be geared a little more towards boys but all in all is very educational about tools and their different functions.

[Phil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, no. Why is it that the toolbox is Dad's? It could be Mom's or Auntie's. Why do we continue with this sexist drivel?

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little book for little boys.

[Jocelin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really boring children's book. The graphics were not that appealing