My Little Fox

About the Book

A little fox discovers the wonders of the world around him in this exuberant picture book that celebrates the seasons and the relationship between a parent and child.

When Mama Fox tells her new baby that it's time to go outside for the first time, he isn't so sure. So Mama promises to stay by his side as they tumble though Little Fox's first year of life, a year spent splashing in puddles, trying new foods, leaping in leaves, and snuggling in snow. And then, before long, Little Fox is all grown up. But is he ready to go off on his own?

With sweet rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Rick Chrustowski tells a tender story of parent-child love and how wonderful--and wistful--it feels when a little one leaves the nest.

About the Author :
Rick Chrustowski grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. He cultivated his own food, grew a huge garden, raised chickens, and had horses, dogs, and cats. He now lives in an old house in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just blocks away from the Mississippi River where he likes to hike and kayak. He is the author of numerous nonfiction books for children, including Turtle Crossing, Blue Sky Bluebird, and Big Brown Bat. You can learn more about him and his books at RickChrustowski.com. Rick Chrustowski grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. He cultivated his own food, grew a huge garden, raised chickens, and had horses, dogs, and cats. He now lives in an old house in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just blocks away from the Mississippi River where he likes to hike and kayak. He is the author of numerous nonfiction books for children, including Turtle Crossing, Blue Sky Bluebird, and Big Brown Bat. You can learn more about him and his books at RickChrustowski.com.

Review :
The familiar trope of a young animal going out on its own finds new life in this book about a fox getting
ready to leave the den. The mother fox narrates, encouraging her kit to go outside "to climb, jump, and
dig." The simple rhyming text can have a singsong feel, but the real attraction is the full-page artwork
executed in watercolor washes. The two foxes have distinct personalities as they frolic amidst the flora and
fauna. The seasons change as the pages turn, giving Chrustowski the opportunity to move from a sunny
summer palette and autumnal colors (highlighting the red fur of the foxes) to warm winter blues and grays,
sprinkled with snow. When the story begins, the fox is just a baby, reluctant to leave his den. But eagleeyed
lap sitters will note that, as the year progresses, he becomes bigger, stronger, and faster, though never
losing his sense of fun. Come spring, he's ready "to explore alone." Still, his mother will be watching. A
sweet jumping-off spot to discuss growing up.
-- Ilene Cooper--Booklist "April 15 2017"