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: 978-1-0698063-4-5
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.

Supporting Storytelling and the Arts in Northwestern Ontario

The Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club library celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of our local Northern Ontario community. This special interdisciplinary arts and capacity building program ran in the summer of 2025, supported by the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, The Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub, Ottawa-based Global Dignity Canada, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program. We extend heartfelt thanks to the Local Services Board of Melgund and the many community members, artists, and creators who made this program possible.

About the Author

Art Borups Corners

Administrator

Art Borup’s Corners is a northern arts incubator based in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, where community-led creativity, land-based practice, and digital innovation come together. Rooted in the cultural rhythms of the boreal forest and shaped by years of grassroots organizing across Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Minnesota, Borup’s Corners supports artists, youth, and community members through participatory storytelling, climate-focused projects, and creative entrepreneurship. From wild blueberry walks to immersive exhibitions and applied AI research, our seasonal programs and artist residencies foster connection, skill-building, and self-determined expression—all grounded in place, culture, and care.

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