Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gentle show encourages imagination in youngest viewers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Not a Box
What's the Story?
In NOT A BOX, bunny Riley (Isabel Birch) begins every episode with a simple drawing of a box. The adult narrator (Ian James Corlett) asks what she's doing with the box, and Riley responds indignantly that it's not a box, it's her "not, not, not-a-box!" In every episode, Riley imagines that the box is something different, like a boat, mountain, or pumpkin. As she gets more into her pretend play, her not-a-box and the scene around her gets colored in to match what she's imagining. When her not-a-box is a boat, she imagines into life a steering wheel, a telescope, a cloud blowing her sailboat, and a friendly sea monster that she names Pizza. Riley has fun playing in her imaginary world, until the scene around her fades and she is left with the simple drawing of the box, ready to imagine a new use for her not-a-box.
Is It Any Good?
Much like Bluey helps inspire slightly older kids to play elaborate pretend games, Not a Box will help 2- and 3-year-olds kickstart their pretend play. Main character Riley models how real-life kids can use a simple cardboard box and their imagination to create endless possibilities for play. The adult narrator models how grown-ups can ask open-ended questions to encourage little ones to keep their pretend play going. Grown-ups will appreciate the show's slow pacing and pleasant music, as well as the charming art, with characters made out of arts-and-crafts materials. Toddlers will enjoy the adorable bunny Riley and colorful supporting characters, and will hopefully be inspired to pretend-play along with the screen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Riley played today in Not a Box. Do you want to pretend the same thing?
What should we pretend this box is today?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 13, 2025
- Cast : Isabel Birch , Ian James Corlett
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 3, 2025
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