The Quiet Lunchbox

Short Stories from Art Borups Corners and The Arts Incubator Winnipeg

Written by Tony Eetak and published by the Arts Incubator Winnipeg and Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club, The Quiet Lunchbox asks a powerful question: What if the quietest person in the room is carrying the heaviest secret? For popular sixth-grader Jenny, lunch is a lively affair, filled with friends, laughter, and a rainbow of snacks. But across the cafeteria, Brian sits alone, his plain white bread a stark contrast to the bustling scene. He’s always guarded, always observing, and always seems to shrink when food is involved.

Jenny’s curiosity turns into concern after a school pizza party reveals more than just shyness. Brian’s hurried departure, his worn clothes, and the careful way he treats every bite of food ignite a realization: his isolation isn’t just about being quiet—it’s about something far more profound. Jenny understands she can’t just ask; a direct question could shatter his pride.

Now, Jenny faces a delicate dilemma: how to offer help to a classmate who guards his secret with fierce dignity. This heartwarming story explores the true meaning of empathy, the quiet courage it takes to observe, and the profound respect required to act when someone needs it most. Join Jenny as she navigates the complexities of friendship and compassion, discovering that the greatest acts of kindness often begin with the quietest observations.

ISBN: 9781069806345
OCLC Number: 1545040107

About the Author

Tony Eetak is a youth artist and musician whose creativity knows no bounds. Originally from Arviat, Nunavut, he finds his voice on the piano and keyboard. An avid composer, Tony translates the world around him into melodies and harmonies, crafting music that speaks with a quiet and powerful beauty. His work has been supported by the Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts and the OpenAI Researcher Access Program.

ISBN: 978-1-0698063-4-5

About the Author

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg

Administrator

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg is a participatory arts collective and living lab, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. It's a space where innovation and creativity thrive. It's latest iteration was launched in 2021 with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. Today, working with students and faculty from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, we fuse traditional and participatory media arts with artificial intelligence, music, storytelling and community-driven, land-based artist residencies to cultivate new voices and bold ideas. Whether through collaborative projects or immersive experiences, our small but vibrant community supports creators to explore, experiment, and connect. Join us at the intersection of artistry, technology, culture and community—where every moment is a new opportunity to create.

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