How many of us have witnessed our child turning a plain box into a play object or toy? It's practically a universal phenomenon, yet the majority of us dismiss this behavior as insignificant.

Well, Rex Bowlby didn't. Especially since he observed another 100 like instances (thus the subtitle: 101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet) his children attracted to seemingly meaningless pastimes that had little to do with commercial toys or games. Yet these quasi-activities were spawning many of the core necessities of child development —not to mention parent-child bonding, wonderfully fun times, and at virtually no cost.

The Book weaves these activities into 101 anecdotes that will delight us with a new perspective and renewed spirit for parenting, as well as causing anyone who reads this book to laugh, cry, and consider never buying another toy or game again!

(For parents with children 8 and under)

"Sometimes the best toys don't come in the boxes...they are the boxes!"

--Matt Stewart, Co-host, Peachtree Morning
NBC-WXIA, TV-11 Atlanta

"My kids love doing all this stuff. There are so many great ideas in the book."

--Marc Bailey, Co-Host, Good Day Atlanta,
FOX-WAGA, TV-5 Atlanta

"It is a powerful book with a spiritual quality that focuses on the restructuring and rebuilding of family—A book that strikes you. When I received it I knew I had to read it."

--Cliff Chandler, Host, Art With a Capital A,
UPN-WGNM, TV-64 Macon

"Rex's book shows you how to tap into your child's natural curiosity. It is a wonderful book!"

--Johanne Lochard, Focus on the Family,
CBS-WRDW, TV-12 Augusta

"You have written a terrific book with a lot of wonderful ideas!"

--Ruthie Garner, Host, Newscenter 10,
NBC-WALB, TV-10 Albany

"With his experience at parenting and background in psychology, Rex's book has 101 neat ideas to help you think outside the box."

--Heather Thompson, Your Family Segment,
CBS-WGCL, TV-46 Atlanta

"Thanks for doing the show. I've had positive feedback from several people, and have put several ideas into action with my Grandson."

--Janis Hoover, Co-Host Crosstalk,
WTLN, 950 AM Orlando

"The book is a novel, original, highly effective approach to parenting and offers a wealth of budget and kid-friendly tips, tricks, & techniques."

--James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief,
Midwest Book Review

"The book will be a reference for many parents."

--Sue Bowron, Book Review Editor Cobb Webb

"Rex Bowlby has produced a winner. Mothers should expect to hand this book down to their daughters when they get married; It will never be out of style."

--John Williams, Staff Columnist Lakeside Ledger

"It is a resource guide for parents who seek to build lasting memories with their children, without requiring a pricey trip to Orlando."

--Glenn Hannigan, Columnist, Atlanta,
Journal – Constitution

"The book reminds parents to turn the focus from buying so much for their children and instead to give them time to play with boxes and themselves. Put it on your shopping list this holiday season."

--Twins Magazine

"Like Parents everywhere, Rex Bowlby watched in wonderment as his children played with the box instead of the toy that came in it. He writes about how to turn cloud watching into lifetime memories."

--Karla Jackson,
The Tampa Tribune

"A treasury of fun and effective ideas for interactive lessons."

--Resources for Homeschoolers,
NAPRA Review

"Parents will want to get their hands on this Book! It provides a back-to-basics approach and demonstrates the positive byproducts of cost-free activities."

--Genesee Valley Parent

"The family that plays together, stays together."

--Mensa Bulletin
(Tom Elliott)

MORE PRAISE FROM READERS

"A labor of love if I ever saw one. I love the art, typefaces, design, text, and the cover."

--Cindy Kennett, Editor
Houghton Mifflin

"From a commercial point-of-view your package is first-rate. I can personally attest to the soundness of your approach since I speak with the experience of a father of seven and grandfather of sixteen."

--Ted Maass, President
Alliance House Distributor

"This book blends home-spun psychology with old-fashioned ideals of communication and bonding between parents and children."

--Bobbie Christmas, Editor
Zebra Communications

"Although beautifully camouflaged, the key to Rex Bowlby's Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? shouts out the key to happy children and happier parenting."

--Penny Porter, Author
Heartstrings and Tailtuggers

"We loved it so much we plan to give it as a gift to everyone we know with children. Mr. Bowlby not only writes an excellent "cookbook" for spending quality time with your child without high dollar cost, but also incorporates humor and emotion. (You should have seen my wife's tears as she read about such wonderful stories as Father-Son Sleep Togethers!)"

--David E. Levin, Father
Phoenix, Arizona

"Your book reminds me when I was a child and my Dad would retrieve refrigerator boxes to make houses and mazes."

--Cheryl Seguin, Elementary School Teacher
Woodstock, Georgia

"As the father of two daughters, three granddaughters, two grandsons, two great-granddaughters and one great grandson...I truly could have used this book forty years ago!"

--Charles R. Mercer, Grandfather
Burbank, California

"These are the family activities for the before TV era - you know, when families were closer, talked more, and played together. Mr. Bowlby writes in a style that is fun to read. His humor is so real."

--Nancy Borders, Mother and Grandmother
Toledo, Ohio

"Mr. Bowlby shows us through his family experiences how to overcome the frustrations of our complex world and get back to fundamentals. His book and its message should be heard by all parents."

--Michelle Harris,
MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Children)

"I love your book! I can't wait to do some of the activities with my girls."

--Carol Sadler,
CHADD (Children with Attention Deficit Disorder)

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