Bernie Thinks in Boxes

By Jess Horn & Zoe Bennett
Reviewed by Meg Rowe

Jess Horn’s debut picture book Bernie Thinks in Boxes is a quiet celebration of one little girl’s unique way of navigating the world around her. It is a delightfully fresh and inventive exploration of themes surrounding neurodiversity such as differences, change and unpredictability, the importance of self-talk, the power of imagination in problem solving, self-efficacy, and perseverance.

Anchored in familiar experiences children will easily relate to – school, teachers, friendships, parks, parties – the story follows Bernie as she makes sense of her world by compartmentalising each area of her life into boxes. She has a Mum Box and a Nanna Box, a School Box and a Park Box, a Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Box. But what happens when Bernie’s ‘boxes’ change, and the routines don’t look and feel quite as they should?

Told through Bernie’s perspective, Horn’s insightful narrative invites children into the conversations this opens, as empowered and respected equals, and shines in its ability to avoid a didactic and stereotypical exploration of difference.

Zoe Bennett’s appealing, detailed, soft pastel illustrations, intertwine with Horn’s narrative in a sensitive and intelligent way, adding layers of visual context to Horn’s powerful boxes’ metaphor.

Bernie Thinks in Boxes is a beautifully told story and a valuable conversation starter that encourages and empowers children to embrace their individuality. In a picture book market where the topic of diversity is being widely recognised, Bernie Thinks in Boxes is a standout.

Watch out for Jess Horn’s two new titles slated for publication with Bright Light in 2025 and 2026.

Affirm Press 2024