SOLVED. Children's Picture book. Kinda creepy about a box. I think the box made people dumb, and at the end it's supposed to be a TV. Read in 1999. [s]

[Sabina]

My teacher read it in 3rd grade in 1999

[Kris]

Sabina, can you describe the illustrations - e.g., simple or detailed, realistic or cartoon-like, painted watercolors or bold graphics? Do they remind you of a similar illustrator or picture book author?

[Sabina]

I actually always thought it was Chris Van Allsburg who did it but when I was looking at a list of his books I didn't recognize any of them as this! detailed illustrations

[Kris]

Illustrator mentioned by Sabina - Chris Van Allsburg

[Ayshe]

The Wretched Stone maybe?

[Sabina]

Ayshe! that must be it. I didn't remember the cover being like that but it does sound right based on the synopsis!