Book Description

Reviews (11)

A gentle and witty book, sure to delight children and adults
This tale of a gentle and clever mouse dentist who outwits a hungry fox charmed my children. It's a delightfully witty book and a pleasure to read to children, who will request it over and over again!

Vinny Fusco's Review
This book teaches an excellant lesson to young readers. This, I feel is the books strongest asset. It teaches children to not take advantage of people and when a hungry fox tries to eat his helpful mouse dentist and his wife, he winds up with his mouth glued together. The good dentist and his wife are weary about accepting a fox as a patient because they are mistrustful, but when the pathetic fos pleads for their help with a severe toothache, they accept the cahllenge. Eventually they outsmart the mischevious fox resulting in a happy ending.

De Soto: Mouse Dentist Extraordinaire!
The author William Steig will be forever missed for his clever and delightful stories for the kiddie set. In "Doctor De Soto", Steig places the action in a land where such stories as "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" have taken place. In the story, animals of all types interact just as humans do, all the while retaining some very wild aspects. The story takes place in what looks to be the 1930s. As in Steig's "When Everybody Wore a Hat", the animals look as if they'd be comfortable listening to the radio and discussing President Roosevelt's reforms before going to bed each night. Dr. De Soto is a mouse dentist, who runs a quiet family practice with his wife. Normally, the De Soto's do not treat carnivorous animals but that rule changes when a pitiful fox comes to them with a toothache. Steig's drawings are sometimes easily dismissed as simplistic. This is not the case. Tiny details dot the illustrations, giving each page the feel of a snapshot into another world. The stairs leading to the De Soto office are separated into two types, large for bigger animals (donkeys, pigs, etc.) and smaller for woodland creatures. Dr. De Soto himself has set up a series of pulleys that allow him to work in the larger animals' mouths. Kids will like the book, gleefully observing the picture where a bloody infected tooth is pulled from the fox's mouth (little droplets of blood falling to the ground). If there is a moral to the story, it's probably to be vigilant. But who picks up a Steig book for a moral? This is just a fun piece of kid literature that everyone will like. It probably works best as an introductory text to the world of William Steig. Just be sure not to miss it.

Not for anyone who is unsure about dentists...
This book describes pulling a tooth pretty graphically (complete with blood dripping off the tooth) and then the dentist tricks his fox patient by telling him what is really glue is a treatment to prevent toothaches.

I'm sure older kids who are already familiar with their dentist would like this book, but it is NOT for small children or the faint of heart.

A Treasure
I have read this book to children ages 3 to 9. They all love it.

A witty and thought provoking book for all ages! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This charming story about a mama fox's unconditional love for her cub describes the many moods of all children ­ from happy to frightened, bashful to silly, and more. Sure to become a family favorite, I LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU¹RE YOU offers children warm assurance of their parents' abiding affection and approval. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superb To Read To Your Child
I love reading this book to my almost 3 year old. I could not have said it better myself. It reinforces that we love them no matter what they do. It's quick, simple, happy reading!

Love this book!
This is one of my little boy's favorite bedtime books. It's perfect for 3-5 year olds, it's a thin, easy read with just one sentence per page. The illustrations are simple but wonderful. And best of all, this book imparts the message every mommy wants to send to her little one(s), that they are loved no matter how they feel or what they do. Keep in mind, this is strictly a mommy book, there is no daddy fox to be seen, but my little boy's father still enjoys reading this book to him. A great buy!

Super book to share with a young person you love!
A warm and caring story about a mother's love for her child. McPhail's illustrations, of a young fox and his mother interacting in a variety of situations, convey the emotions of both characters throughout the story. Whether happy or sad, frightened or angry, the young fox is reminded of his mother's love. Although not as moving as Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, the illustrations make this book more enjoyable and a better book for sharing one-on-one with young children. ... Read more

Book Description

Rosie the hen leaves the chicken coop and sets out for a little walk. Right behind her is the fox, slyly trying to catch up with her. Rosie's walk is quiet, uneventful and eventually leads her back to the coop, blissfully unaware of the fox's travails as he tries -- unsuccessfully -- to navigate the obstacle course that Rosie has led him through. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Since I found my Rosie, how can I be blue?
A staple of humorous stories for years has been the idea of the oblivious protagonist. How many cartoons have you watched where the well meaning but bumbling hero comes within a hair's breath of death as some watchful soul (either someone who wants to hurt our hero or help them) accidentally falls into madcap trap after trap after trap? Tons. After all, it's funny stuff. Well "Rosie's Walk" ascribed to that idea way back in 1968 when it was first published. The tale of blithe Rosie and the doe eyed fox that wants to eat her is as old as the hills and still just as funny.

Rosie decides one day to go for a walk. As she does so a hungry fox gets wind of the plump little hen and decides to pounce upon her for his (her?) supper. Rosie takes no notice of this impending danger, and the book is simply a series of vignettes of chicken and fox locked in that eternal conflict of hunter and prey. The text, such as it is, is very simple. It never makes a single mention of the fox, choosing to only describe Rosie's walk. In fact, one could write the entire book out in a single sentence since there are only 32 words in total. It is a deceptively simple book.

So what makes this such a fabulous story? Well, what Pat Hutchins overdoes in brevity, she makes up for with some of the most elaborate pen and ink drawings I've seen in a long time. Rosie, for one, is a joy. Her expression never changes for a moment. This hen is oblivious to not only the fox, but also the world at large. She walks about with her eyes at half-mast wearing an expression of deep disinterest. If you happen to know a typical teenager, that teenager in chicken form would be Rosie. The fox, on the other hand, makes up for all the emotions that nonplussed Rosie lacks. This is a beautiful creature, sporting an elaborately illustrated body and soft melting eyes. It doesn't hurt that every picture in this book looks like it was fun for the author/illustrator to draw. Birds flying in the trees are a complex amalgamation of dots, patterns, and slinky black lines. Even the grasshoppers in the fields are elaborate combinations of circles and lines. Rosie's feathers alone are so well organized and detailed that I'd half like to frame her and put her up on my wall. And though the gags directed against the poor schlimazel of a fox are obvious, they're well executed. Hutchins has a wonderful sense of timing in this story. This book is truly a class act. For any beginning reader, this is a tale to both impress and humble. A really wonderful picture book.

Goody! This book is still in print
Shopping for a book for the 2yo child of a friend, I was delighted to find this long-time favorite of my own children is still in print. Picture-heavy, at the expense of words, the book is best suited for kids from 2-5, not for those who can read.
Rosie is a rather clueless chicken who leaves the coop to take a little stroll. Waiting for her is the proverbial fox, but every time he makes his move, some mishap unwittingly initiated by Rosie puts him out of commission. Rosie wanders on, completely unaware of the mayhem left in her wake - and gets back to the chicken coop none the worse for wear. The fox, on the other hand, probably thinks switching to vegetarianism might be a good idea.

Very few words
I give this book 5 stars because it would be a great book for *very* young children. But, be warned. This book has very few words. The story is told mainly through the illustrations. It will not hold the interest of children ages 4+ as a read-aloud. The age level is incorrect here-- it should be Baby-Preschool, not ages 4-8.

A neat and cool book!
Hi, I am a girl (of course). I am age 7. I think this is a great book for everyone because it's easy to understand and it's good that the author does that. It is neat too because Rosie the rooster is going for a walk and a fox is following her and when she walks, like around the pond, the fox falls in it and so on and so on. The cool thing is that like in one page Rosie walks across something then the next page there is no writing but it shows the bad thing that happened to the fox. It is interesting to me because I think the illustrations are neat. I'm not sure if Pat Hutchins did the illustrations too.

A very funny book for both children and adults
This is a wonderful book. The illustrations are great and the humor is infectious. My two-year-old son loves it and goes right for the pages where the fox gets in trouble. It's great to see a book that has subtle (and not-so-subtle) humor designed to appeal to children and adults alike. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

SUPERB & COMFORTING Memories
The Tomten was my first and favorite childhood book. Today, I read it to my daughter as her bedtime story. It is her favorite book also. This book is the perfect comforting bedtime story for children of all ages. The author magically weaves fantasy and security into the story of The Tomten. Reading The Tomten gives you that "safe in the bed between your parents" feeling we all remember.

The author, Austrid Lindgren, passed away today. The world has lost a timeless treasure. Thank you Mrs. Lindgren. You will be missed by generations.

How Comforting to Know the Tomten is On His Rounds
I have loved this book for over 40 years. The copy I have was printed in Sweden a long time ago but I am very glad that this story is available as a nicely affordable paperback because it's such a sweet and comforting tale that lots of children will love. The beautiful illustrations capture perfectly the crisp, cold, snowy atmosphere of a still winter's night as the Tomten, a small spirit and guardian of a humble farm homestead goes about on his secret rounds doing his caretaker duties in his gentle, loving way. He whispers encouragment to the sleeping animals and children. He has seen many hundreds of winters and so he knows that "winters come and winters go, summers come and summers go" and the wheel of the year turns on and on. I encourage you to read this to children to help them feel safe and cozy and snug in their beds on a cold, dark winter's night...maybe try it this Winter Solstice and be sure to keep a look-out for tiny footprints in the snow around your home.

Excellent children's book
"The Tomten" by Astrid Lindgren is one of the most comforting books for children. The story remains with them through a lifetime. My 32 year old son and 35 year old nephew still would like to have "Tomten" books to read to the young ones in their families.

What is a Tomten?
A tomten is a gnome like creature that stands watch while the rest of the world is sleeping. This old tale should be recommended reading for everyone. The tomten is disappearing with our grandparents and great-grandparents. This is a wonderful tale!

my favorit christmans story
As a swedish kid it is a tradirion to read this book. Tomten is a rime about a smal helper we belived in in north europe Viktor rydberg and Astrid Lindgren have done an excelent work trying to put down in words and picture what makes winter and christmas so special. ... Read more

Book Description

When a delicious-looking piglet knocks on Mr. Fox's door "accidentally," the fox can hardly believe his good luck. It's not every day that dinner just shows up on your doorstep.It must be his lucky day! Or is it?

Before Mr. Fox can say grace, the piglet has manipulated him into giving him a fabulously tasty meal, the full spa treatment (with bath and massage), and . . . freedom.

In a funny trickster tale of her own, Kasza keeps readers guessing until the surprise ending when they'll realize it was piglet's lucky day all along. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Loved this book
Our family loves this book! My husband will use the catchy phrase "just a thought Mr. Fox" when ending sentences with us. This is a wonderful book that our daughter instantly made one of her favorites. We read this book at least three times a week and sometimes more.

excelent children book
Attractive, enticing story and very beautiful pictures. Both parents and chidren will enjoy.

Cleverly crafted and delightful!
I have three sons, ages 2, 4, and 7, who are captivated by this book and bombard me with requests to "Read it again, Mommy!" My two year old refers to My Lucky Day as his favorite book, and he carries it everywhere. Not only is the story line clever, but the illustrations are also fabulous. The last time I read a children's story with an ending this clever was when I got Bark, George, by Jules Pfeiffer.

very cute book
My girls (age 2 and 4) really love this book. It has an unexpected ending with the pig outsmarting the fox. This book is my first introduction to this author and I plan to check out her other books as well. The book has been fun to read to them and is a frequent choice for bed-time reading. ... Read more

Book Description

I’m grim and grumpy,” says Small to Large, “and I don’t think you love me at all.”But nothing could be further from the truth--and Large knows just how to reassure Small in this warm and tender story about a child’s biggest worry and a parent’s endless capacity for love.
... Read more

Reviews (21)

A Must Have for Any Child's Library...
Perfect from start to finish! Warm and fuzzy is how you'll feel when you read it with your child...my little son and I create our own rituals in reading the book, and use it as a platform to reaffirm our unconditional love for one another...we start with the "summary" at the beginning, and read it through at least twice every single day since we've had it...the illustrations are so lovely, evocative of parental love and caring...we note: Large isn't specifically mentioned as Small's "mother", so caring and devotion aren't exclusively feminine, a good message for my little guy, that men can be cuddly and affectionate, too

Great book about unconditional love
We are always glad when our four-year-old chooses this book to read. The theme is unconditional love of a parent for a child. "Small," a young fox, asks his parent ("Large") will you still love me even if ... Of course Large is wonderfully reassuring, and I think this is a message preschoolers need to hear often. It's nice that Small could be either a boy or a girl, and Large could be either a mother or a father (or other caregiver for that matter). The illustrations are fun and often funny. The message comes through in way that is light and playful but not trivial. Just right. Tends to encourage hugging at the end!

Love the Illustrations No Matter What
Although this is not on the vaunted favorites short list when my 5 month-old and I turn to read books every night, it did make the "more frequented often than not" list and here's why...

...the illustrations are wonderful. The moral is good telling of unconditional love between Large (Mom Fox...but please don't call the real world mother that after shipping the boy off to bed and returning to your own bed...it won't be a happy household on the whole if you know what I mean) and Small (Toddler Fox). The language is fairly good sticking to simple rhymes but on the whole the love of words doesn't thoroughly seep through the pages. The story line is perhaps a little too "everything is rosy, put your index finger in your smiling dimple and wiggle it around" Polyanna. Not that optimistic feel good storybooks aren't the mark for childhood reading... But back to the illustrations...

...they are wonderful watercolors that drip and dip with creative colors and a wonderful sense of domestic haloed lights. It gives off a Florentine home Goddess warmth with an enchanted play between color light and shadow. My favorite as will probably be your child's as well, is the "squishy bug" that still gets loved and hugged. He eats holes in his gardening book and wraps his tentacles around Large's Fox ears. Wonderful enchanting stuff.

If you already have all the baby/toddler/childhood standards and classics by all means go get this one. ...

no matter what
My husband and I bought this book for our son when he was five months old. He just turned two and to this day it is his very favorite book. He want's us to read it over and over again and he even tries to read it to us. Every page has been taped back in at least twice because he looks at it all the time! We are going to get him another copy for christmas. I can't tell you what a great book it is. It is a perfect story for a parent and child to sit and read together.

I'll always love you no matter what . . .
What a great message to your children! My daughter loves this book and we have to read it several times a day! The illustrations are beautiful and creative and there is something new to find each day! I bought the book and started reading it when she was 10 months old. Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Helping children process
A few months ago my son was terrified of an imaginary being (imaginary to me, maybe there was something really there that only he could see). This scary being had fire all around it and my son was truly terrified of it. I finally said, "maybe it's hungry. I think if we offer it some food he will go away." So we did this and thankfully the being did go away, verified by my son. But, the next day this fire being was back. So we fed it again and it went away.

The Tomten and the Fox was recommended to me by a friend. Ever since we bought the book the fire being hasn't been back.

More About the Kindly Tomten
This book was originally published in 1966 and maintains all of its original charm. It is the simple story of the friendly house spirit called the Tomten that keeps watch over a Swedish farm homestead, its animals and people. We have met this Tomten before in another wonderful book by Astrid Lindgren called The Tomten. In this story, which takes place around Christmas time, we find a hungry fox faring out on a cold and snowy winter night in search of food. The illustrations are so beautiful and they really transport you to a cold, quiet winter night with snow crunching underfoot and stars sparkling overhead. The characters of the Tomten and the fox are very engaging and are sure to be well-loved by children. The text is very simple but has a lyrical quality that is the perfect compliment to the homey and comforting artwork.

wonderful
Hi, my mom read this book to me when I was very little and I am buying it now so I can read it to me kids. It is a wonderful story about a hungry fox and a kind tomten who watches a farm and he feeds the fox, it will really touch you and your children ... Read more

Book Description

A little fox travels aboard a rocket, a giant insect and a sea beast, is carried into an alien dimension of weird creatures, including darkness and horror personified, dodges comets and finds madness, before finally discovering a ribbon of "truth".

A surreal and philosophical tale full of imagination and mystery. It is beautifully illustrated in a fresh and distinctive style reminescent of Moebius, Dr Seuss and Tim Burton.

This first edition is limited to 1000 copies. Each book is signed and numbered by the author. 11" X 11", Dust Jacket, B&W. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Breathtakingly Beautiful Book!
An Amazingly beautiful illustrated book! I went through cover to cover looking at only the illustrations, then I've read it through a couple of times. What a great story! Truly an inspiration! This is a book that you need to get and put on your shelf next to "Where The Wild Things Are." A great book that can be appreciated by all ages.

Worth every penny.
Buy this book! Why? Because it's good and the author drew me a pretty picture in my copy!!

But seriously. I had the opportunity to meet this author when he came as a visiting artist to my college (the day I'm writing this, actually). This book is simply amazing. The art is EXCELLENT and the story is a good lesson for us all.
You may think the book is a bit pricey, but trust me, it's worth every penny.

incredible design sense
The one thing that stood out most to me in reading this book is its beautiful sense of design.Each page is amazingly different from the next but yet it all holds together.I bought this book for many reasons but themain reason is to study the design.I would highly recomend this book toanyone who is remotely interested in any field of art.You will learnsomething.I even felt that the author was more interested in telling thestory through design that through simple imagery.If you took out thewords to this book, you could still understand the story. I hope the authorcontinues with more books like these.

Gagne's book is both beautiful and thought prevoking.
Today, when childrens entertainment is dedsigned to quiet the kids rather the teach, and the few educational books and programs out there are inane and booring,a beautiful exception has appeared.Michel Gagne's bookbreaks the trend of steril and formulated stories that have been force fedto children for years now.The book deals with the subject of meaning, atopic just as profoundand complexed to adults as it is to children. Asa result it teaches by provoking thought rather then simply recycling thesame old messages about right and wrong.The artwork is surreal, beautifulandas good as anything out there.I would recomend this book to anyoneand look forward to more from the author.

Gagne's book is both beautiful and thought prevoking.
Today, when childrens entertainment is dedsigned to quiet the kids rather the teach, and the few educational books and programs out there are inane and booring,a beautiful exception has appeared.Michel Gagne's bookbreaks the trend of steril and formulated stories that have been force fedto children for years now.The book deals with the subject of meaning, atopic just as profoundand complexed to adults as it is to children. Asa result it teaches by provoking thought rather then simply recycling thesame old messages about right and wrong.The artwork is surreal, beautifulandas good as anything out there.I would recomend this book to anyoneand look forward to more from the author. ... Read more

Book Description

King of the barnyard, Chanticleer struts about all day. When a fox bursts into his domain, dupes him into crowing, and then grabs him in a viselike grip, Chanticleer must do some quick thinking to save himself and his barnyard kingdom.

Winner, 1959 Caldecott Medal
Notable Children's Books of 1940–1970 (ALA)
Winner, 1992 Kerlan Award ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The crowing Chanticleer sings
Who would have thought that a Canterbury Tale would prove appropriate for children? Illustrator Barbara Cooney has adapted the "Nun's Priest's Tale" to picture book format, turning it into a tale that warns against flattery. I'm just glad she didn't think of adapting "The Wife of Bath" tale. Thank goodness for small favors, eh?

In this story a widow and her two daughters live by themselves in the countryside. The focus of the story rests squarely on their cocky (ha ha) rooster Chanticleer. A bird with a harem (the book flaps description, not mine) of seven hens, Chanticleer has a fairly restive life. One day, however, a sly fox comes with flattering words and tricks poor Chanticleer into closing his eyes. It is only through the rooster's quick thinking that he is able to escape the fox and get away.

I've never read the original tale, so I'm not certain how this story adds up against it. Needless to say, I found it a funny amalgamation of several Aesop stories. Flattery was always utilized by Aesop in ways similar to this tale. In fact, Chanticleer's escape from the fox is nothing so much as an alternate version of the old story about the fox and the crow with a hunk of cheese. Cooney's illustrations do much to help this tale along. Using gorgeous pen and ink drawings and selective sections of color, this books at times looks like nothing so much as a collection of cheery Edward Gorey prints. The tale is quick and clean and I imagine many children will be fond it this particular retelling. All in all, an enjoyable book.

Chaucer's Tale Beautifully Told
Chanticleer and the Fox, an adaptation of the Nun's Priest's Tale, is a simple and delightful tale with a moral (or three) at the end. Chanticleer and the other characters learn about the dangers of failing to be watchful, talking when one should be silent, and trusting in flattery. Barbara Cooney's illustrations are simple and warm, yet she gives a glimpse of what life might have looked like for a family in the Middle Ages. The book is suitable for an early reader or for reading aloud to younger children, although older children and adults would enjoy it as well. If you want more Chaucer for older children, without the rhyme or Middle English, you might want to try The Canterbury Tales, Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, Illustrated by Victor G. Ambrus. Some material in that book, however, might need some parental guidance for younger readers. Chanticleer and the Fox is appropriate for children of all ages.

Great addition to children's literature collection
I have been looking for Newberry and Caldecott Award books for my 4 children and was happy to find this Caldecott Medal book from 1959. I love Barbara Cooney's "Miss Rumphius", and this adaptation of the Nun's Priest's Tale from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" was a delightful way to introduce my children to some classic literature. My girls got a glimpse of medieval times from the story and the illustrations, and I loved the simple way Barbara Cooney brought out the industry and economy of the poor widow as she takes care of her children, livestock and house. The pictures are precise and brilliant, but not overpowering. The description of Chanticleer elevates him from an ordinary rooster to a work of art. The story has the virtue of pointing out the folly of listening to flattery as well as the value of quick thinking on Chanticleer's part in a perilous situation. I didn't like the reference to trusting in dreams (nightmares), but felt I could incorporate it into a teaching point as I read it to my children. All in all, I am glad to add it to our collection. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A song of a fox hunting for its family.
This children's book is based on a 1945 Burl Ives adaptation of an old folk song about a fox who went hunting for geese. The song is included so that children can sing as well. The book was a 1962 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a book for children.

Wonderful memories, wonderful book
This book is a treasure from my childhood. I remember singing the song along with my dad and older sister. Since I was reading at age 3, I read this book by myself. I didn't find it too graphic then, nor do I now. The images didn't disturb me in the least.
I love this little book, and have given it as a gift many times, always to rave reviews from the parents and children alike. It is fast-paced and the lyrics are fun to sing. The pictures are delightful, from the detailed farm scenes, right down to the Civil War monuments in the town square that the reader sees as the fox passes by with his birds. I recommend this for children of any age, and their parents. It is a treasure of a children's book.

Music Enhances the Story
This book is the musical tale of a fox raiding the farmer's bin in order to feed his family of a wife and ten little foxes. The book has a long title, which is typically problematic for young children. In my house the book is known simply as "Fox".

The story's lyrics are simple and repetitive. While broaching mature themes such as prayer, hunting, self-defense and providing for a family, the story flows most ostensibly as the adventure of the expeditious fox through the unassuming town.

The music is both hopeful and melancholy. Sung against a back drop of colonial New England, the story has a charming, romantic air to it. The illustrations are suitable for children while conveying a stylistic and modern tone.

Even after the 150th reading, I am still excited to read of the fox's exploits and am comparatively happier to have my 20 month old little daughter choose this handsome tale over what seems like an overabundance of pointless and ill-conceived young children's stories.

wonderful for speech delayed 4 year old
Wonderful illustrations to the well known classic song. Great for kids who love to sing or who learn well when things are in a song! The illustrations are a bit graphic, but at 4 years, I think it is fine. My son loves this book. We "sing" it together. Very good for speech therapy goals too, new words and situations.

Fun sing-a-long classic!
The first time I read this, the words seemed really silly. I had never heard this classic song before and was not familiar with the lyrics, which it turns out are a bit graphic and disturbing. But then again, so are many other children's songs.

Anyway, despite that, my daughter loves this book. It's a great book you can sing along to and the song has a nice tune to it. The fun part is doing the "town-o, town-o, town-o" with the special emphasis on the "O"s.

Also, as others have mentioned, the illustrations are truly marvelous -- a definite classic. ... Read more

Book Description

One Fine Fox

Four famished foxes make fun of their brother Fosdyke, who feels fondly for fried figs, fennel, and French bread. Leaving him behind to fry and flambé, they go foraging for fowl in a forbidden farmyard. Unfortunately, the foxes find the fowl forwarned. Foiled, they return to their den. Will they ever filch a fabulous farmyard feast? Or will they forgo fowl and finally admit that "a fox is a fox whatever the food"?

Reviews (3)

vocabulary builder
What a great way to build vocabulary in your little one! One of the chief reasons to read to your child is to introduce that child to wonderful words that are not necessarily part of your speaking repertoire, and that your child would not hear frequently otherwise. Although you are going to LOVE Cole's imaginative illustrations, and Edwards' cute story, as well as the lovely alliterative rhythms, what you may appreciate most is that this book contains many words that your child may not yet be familiar with. Read Four Famished Foxes with Fosdyke a few times to your favorite child, and you will find that the fountain of fabulous words will spark new speech from your special little loved one.

Mr. Cole's Drawings are COOL
Mr Cole is not my teacher (I came to the school after he would have been my teacher), but he taught all of my friends and I have met him. I think this is a cool book and everyone should read it, no matter how old they are

Big laughs for little kids !!!
Mr. Cole is my science teacher. He's very funny and it shows in this book. Mrs. Edwards is my library teacher. This is a great book for anyone who wants to laugh and have a good time. Little kids will read it again and again! I did ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A Midnight Fox Rocks!
I read this book 3 years ago, in April 2001. I can still remember that really sweet story. Tommy is reluctant to leave Petie Burkis, his home and toys to stay at his aunt Millie's farm for the holidays. To please his parents however, he goes. The story describes how a city boy like Tommy can really learn to love a farm, and how he meets the midnight fox, black as the night. This is the real excitement to the story!
I would recommend this book for 7-11year olds because it is short and sweet. The only reason it is one star down is the tendancy for the author to go on a bit and not really stick to the story. I think I'll remember this story when I'm old- It's a definate MUST READ!!!

Jakes Midnight Reveiw
I chose this book because of the front cover. The front cover has lots of detail, attitude, and acts like a hook the author would use to get a reader interested. But the cover is not the reason why I like the book. The author, Betsy Byars, really develops her characters. She backs up all the character's feelings. One example of that is when Tommy, the main character, is left on the farm. The author explains how alone he feels. That one whole chapter is about how Tommy feels abandoned, which me, the reader, made me feel terrible. She also gives you a good clean-cut picture of what's happened and how the character feels in your mind. That's why anyone could read this book, The Midnight Fox.

The story, the Midnight fox, is about a boy named Tommy, having to stay with some relatives on a farm while his parent's bike around Europe. His relatives include Uncle Fred, Aunt Millie, and Hazeline his cousin. One day on the farm bored as usual Tom was in the field when he saw a Black Fox. As the days passed he became more fascinated by the Black Fox, and he followed her to her den and saw her baby and swore to himself that he would never go back there to disturb them again. The days passed fast one of those days Aunt Millie noticed her turkey was missing as well as some chickens. Aunt Millie told Uncle Fred about and she knew it was a fox, will Uncle Fred the great hunter catch the Black Fox who knows? To find you'll have to read the book.

The Mysterious Fox
If you like mysteries and stimulating books, then you will love this book. The book is about a kid named Tom who goes to spend his summer at his uncle's farm and finds a mysterious fox. Read how he will save the fox from getting killed by his uncle. This takes place at his uncle's farm and at a gorgeous forest. This book contains no pictures so you could use your imagination in this astonishing book. I enjoyed how he would trick his uncle into saving the fox. There is some tragedy in this story for Tom. It was difficult to move away from his parents for the whole summer. The author of this book is Betsy Byars. So if you want to find an exciting book like this one, look for books that Betsy Byars wrote and I think they will be as magical as this one.

one of the best childrens books
This book has it all; an interesting plot, interesting characters and children can really relate to the characters. I read this book for the first time when i was seven and it captivated me then and still does now.

Tom lives in the city but when his parents go oin holiday and leave him spending the summer with his uncle on a farm he isn't happy. Soon he finds a Black Fox and learns to like it there. When his uncle finds out he wants to kill the fox and Tom is determined to stop that.

Through the book the characters grow and develop true sense of self. Perfect for children!!!!

Total Cool
The main character, Tom, has a bleak outlook on everything. He won't try new things and if he didn't like something when he was tiny, he is convinced that he won't now. This is until he is sent away to his aunt and uncle's farm and, one little fox changes his whole outlook on life. It is a great book and I recomend it to 9-13+ year olds as below 9, I don't think they would understand the meaning. Overall, great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, John Reynolds Gardiner's story -- like it's hero, Little Willy -- has all the ingredients of a winner, right down to the unforeseen drama at the finish line. Willy has a big job to do. When his grandfather falls ill, it is up to Willy alone to save their farm from the tax collector. Willy enters the National Dogsled Race, where he must beat the Indian Stone Fox and his five beautiful Samoyed dogs.

Allen Brewster has an amazing idea for his school science project: human photosynthesis, turning sunlight into food for humans. Everyone laughs at his outrageous scheme -- until Allen turns green, sprouts roots, and develops an overwhelming desire to soak up the sun instead of eating his dinner. Allan is turning into a plant! No one seems to believe that he isn't just playing a practical joke -- no one, that is, except the President of the United States, who declares Allen a threat to national security! Suddenly Allen Brewster and his discovery are...TOP SECRET!

Reviews (196)

A five star not too long read
Stone Fox is a great book for all elementary students. It is about a ten year old boy (named little Willy) and his dog Searchlight. His grandpa is keeping a secret from him which is the cause of grandpa being sick. When little Willy finds out what the secret is he learns that he must get 500$ and fast. What luck, there just so happens to be a dog sled race going on and the prize money is 500$! When he enters he knows he must win and if he doesn't grandpa won't get better and their farm will be taken away from them. Little Willy feels very confident in himself, but the great Stone Fox is coming. He has never lost a race. Does he beat the great Stone Fox? Does grandpa get better? Do they keep their farm? Use my advice and read the book to find out.

An Enjoyable Book
What happens when a little boy enters a sled dog race to win a $500 prize so that he can save his grandfather's farm? You can find out by reading Stone Fox, written by John R. Gardiner.

Stone Fox is a story about a little boy in a small town in the snowy Rockies whose grandfather doesn't want to live any longer. He hasn't been paying his taxes, so he is in danger of losing his farm. It's up to Little Willy to solve the problem.

The main characters of this story are Little Willy and Stone Fox. Little Willy is a small, short-haired ten-year-old boy who wants to save his grandfather's farm. He is very talkative and inquisitive.

Stone Fox is a very tall, tan Native American with long, black hair. He is a very quiet and determined man. Stone Fox hopes to win the $500 prize money so he can buy back land for his tribe.

John r. Gardiner, the author of Stone Fox, was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Long Beach, CA. Mr. Gardiner has written children's stories that have been told on TV. He has also written Top Secret and General Butter Fingers.

By the time you finish reading Stone Fox you will realize that even a kid can make a big difference if he or she tries hard. If you like reading about kids doing amazing things, then you will definitely enjoy Stone Fox.

The Race
This book was a good book I liked it. This book was about a little boy who lived with his grandpa. He helped his grandpa grow a farm the little boy also had a dog. The grandpa was not up to date with his payment. Like a day later his grandpa was sick and he could not do anything to help his farm. Now to the good part of the book is the end of the book. There was a sled dog race in town and the boy wanted to enter in it so he went to town the next day to sign up for the race. There was added money for the winner. They had to race that day there was a race for youth and for the adults. For the adults you had to pay 100 dollars to get in the race. But they would not let him in the adult race because he was too young and then finally they let him in the race if he had the money. So he went to the bank to check out his money and he got in the race. So the race had started and their was a lot of people enter the race. He started in the back and worked his way to the front until they saw the finish line and it was the boy and stone fox and the boy was in the lead and they were about 100 feet and the boy's dog died while running. But Stone Fox did not pass the finish line he stop his dog and took out his gun and shot it in the air and told everbody to stop and not to pass the boy. He told the boy to pick up the dog and cross the finish line. And the little boy won the race. And he got to pay for his grandpa's farm after he won the money.

I would tell someone to read this book because of the race it was a real good long race.

STONE FOX
I thought the book was the best book I read but It
had a sad ending thats the part I didnt like.

Stone Fox
I thought the book Stone Fox was a good story.I liked the part where little Willy was racing with searchlightand little Willy was pretending he was racing with somebody else but he wasnt. ... Read more

Book Description

There once was a very hungry little hen, and she ate and ate, and grew and grew, and the more she ate, the more she grew.

Up on the hill lives a cunning fox. He watches the hen every day and thinks, "If I wait just one more day, the hen will be even bigger."

Then one day he can't wait any longer...

Reviews (1)

Entertaining, If Only To Me
The ending of this book has such a twist, that most children I've read this book to don't seem to get it. Actually, only a handful of parents seem to realize what just happened. But that doesn't detract from the fact the story of one incredibly hungry hen and one slowly starving fox is one of the more entertaining children's books to come out in 2001. The illustrations fit the story well, as does the use of repetition throughout the hungry hen's story. While I'm sure the fun twist can be seen coming a mile away, I won't ruin it here for people who don't read reviews. Needless to say, whether you're reading this to one child, or an entire classroom full of chilren, this simply told story entertains them all. ... Read more

Book Description

The fun begins when Tricky Fox makes a bet with his brother that he can trick a silly human into giving him a pig. ³I¹ll eat my hat, if you can,² says his brother, and Tricky Fox sets off to win his bet. It appears that Tricky Fox will get himself a pig - that is, until he meets a clever schoolteacher who outsmarts him! Here is a rollicking tale filled with marvelously expressive animals, witty plot twists, and even a recipe for ³Eat Your Hat Cookies!² ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Why you never hear foxes singing sassy songs any more
I have been reading so many trickster tales from around the world that it seems suddenly strange to read one in which the animal the trickster is portrayed as is a fox. "The Tale of Tricky Fox: A New England Trickster Tale" is about the time that Tricky Fox bets Brother Fox that he can fool any human into giving him a pig. The bet is made and Tricky Fox heads off with just an empty sack. But then along the way he picks up a log and puts it in the sack and heads off to knock on the door of the first in a series of houses. The question is whether Tricky Fox will be smart enough to trick everybody he meets in order to win his bet. After all, he is dealing with a succession of little old ladies from New England and if you do not know what they are like you should.

"The Tale of Tricky Fox" is retold here by Jim Aylesworth, who has loved this traditional trickster tale based on the "trading" motif for many years. An early version of the story entitled "The Travels of a Fox" from Massachusetts was first printed in 1897 by Clifton Johnson, who was one of the first Americans to gather Anglo-American folklore. The illustrations are by Barbara McClintock are rendered in watercolor, black ink, and gouache and certainly provide a sense of the 19th century when this tale was first told (indeed McClintock explains she was influenced by the 19th-century German artist Wilhelm Busch, who also inspired much of Maurice Sendak's work). McClintock presents Tricky Fox as though he was a character performing his antics onstage.

Those are the sort of details that make "The Tale of Tricky Fox" an excellent children's book, even if some young readers think that it smacks too much of the olden days, because that is its chief charm. Plus, on the back cover of the book we have a recipe for Tricky Fox's Eat-Your-Hat Cookies adapted from Jim Aylesworth's great-grandmother's sugar cookie recipe. Best of all, I do not need a grown-up to help me make them.

"I'm so clever - tee-hee-hee!"
I think that the Tale Of Tricky Fox is a wonderful, well-written children's book. It teaches the youngsters who read it a valuable lesson through a cute, exaggerated story about a clever fox who tries to trick adorable elderly women into getting what he wants, a big fat pig.
To Tricky Fox, "stealing chickens is too easy." He plans on getting himself a plump pig to eat. How might he go about doing that, Brother Fox questions him. "I will fool a human into putting one into my sack for me!" Tricky Fox has a witty idea up his sleeve.
He pretends that his is an old, tired, feeble Fox who needs a warm place to sleep. Each night, he finds a new woman to take part in his sly scheme.
Everything seems to being going well for Tricky Fox. He is right on his way to getting the "big fat pig" he dreamed of. However, the last old woman he tries to trick is a school teacher. Everyone knows that teachers are much smarter than "regular humans" and this teacher has a feeling that Tricky Fox is up to something.
In the end, well, I can't spoil the story, now can I?
I highly recommend this story for children of all ages. I, myself, enjoyed the lesson-teaching storyline, the quirky rhymes, the lovable characters, the crafty twist of an ending, and the old-fashioned illustrations. I believe that any good-hearted person will find this an amusing, silly masterpiece of children's literature.

Foxes, beware the tricky teachers!!!
Completely delightful story of a cute, clever, cocky fox who plays tricks on unsuspecting women just to win a bet with his cousin. One of the unsuspecting women, however, manages to return Tricky Fox's cleverness with a little trick of her own... Read and find out all the entertaining details! Kids and adults both will find the story fun and satisfying, and the illustrations well-detailed and expressive.

Watch Out for Tricky Fox.....
Tricky Fox is tired of stealing and eating chickens. It's just too easy and not all that fun anymore. He decides what he really wants is a pig and tells his brother that he can trick any human into giving him one. But, Brother Fox isn't so sure and takes the bet. "I'll eat my hat if you do!" he tells his tricky brother and the games begin. Carrying a sack and acting old and tired, Tricky Fox talks his way into three cottages, asking each little old lady homeowner to guard his sack while he sleeps. He adds that they mustn't look inside and of course, as soon as he falls asleep, that's exactly what they each do. The first night he puts a log in the sack and claims the next morning that his loaf of bread is gone. His hostess, embarrassed that she took a peek, quickly gets him a loaf of her own bread and says nothing, even though she knows it was a log in the sack. The next night he does the same thing with the bread, claiming the next morning that his chicken is missing, with the same results. But on his final evening, he tries to trick a teacher (and everyone knows that teachers are smarter than most humans) and learns a big lesson the hard way..... Jim Aylesworth has taken this old folktale and given it new life. His charming and amusing text is full of energy, rhythm and rhyme. Barbara McClintock's wonderfully old fashioned, detailed illustrations add just the right touch and together, this dynamic duo have authored a story that pulls your youngsters into the story, captures their imaginations and includes them in all the fun. Perfect for kids 4-8, The Tale of Tricky Fox is a winner! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gritch the Witch is hungry and her batscotti andeek!spresso snack isn't quite doing the trick. She wants a more filling, furry snack. She wants bunny. On her way to the Farmer in the Dell's rabbit-ridden place, she and her broomstick experience a crash landing, shortly after her old broom stalls in midair: "It spit. Sputtered. Coughed. Chugged. Choked. And then it gave out a long gasping, gurgly gurgle, did one loop-d-loop, and tailspinned toward ground zero." Desperate for a new vehicle, she ends up at Foxy's, a used-vehicle lot marked by signs such as "Foxy's: We'll take you for a ride." Foxy tries to sell her a magic carpet from "A Lad in the East," then he attempts to unload Cinderella's pumpkin coach: "Very low mileage. Used only once. Runs like a charm." The fox's cheesy sales tactics don't go over very well: "Save the spiel, cut the chit-chat, and can the flim-flam, Foxy!" she shouts. Her fury only escalates when she asks, "Which one is the one I want?"--catapulting them into an infuriating "Who's on first"-style repartee over "Witch 1," the name of a certain model of broom. Zoom Broom, Margie Palatini's over-the-top sequel to the immensely popular Piggie Pie, is as smart-alecky and fast-paced as they come, and Howard Fine's colorful, action-packed, almost grotesquely intense illustrations are perfect for this wild and witchy ride. (Ages 4 to 9) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fun for both kids and adults!
This book was so fun to read. The story is about a cranky witch whose old broom goes kaput and how she tries to replace it. Adults will get a kick out of references to The Wizard of Oz and smarmy car salesmen. Kids will love the vivid illustrations and the hilarious language. The exchange between the salesman and the witch is a crack-up.

This story was a bit over my 4 year olds head, but kids 5 and up will surely enjoy it.

ZOOM BROOM is the ultimate "Foxy" story for kids!
I've read it over and over and OVER again. I love it just a little more each and every time. My 7 year old son loves ZOOM BROOM almost as much as PIGGIE PIE! The book is thoroughly clever and doesn't lack a thing! The artwork is delicious, the words are precocious and the creativity divine. My son even recites the story from heart, almost word for word. Thank goodness for the fabulous artwork or he would give up reading for story telling. This is a must have Margie Palatini, Howard Fine creation!

Witch One? This One!
More fast-talking fun from Margie Palatini and our favorite Piggie Pie witch. While parents may recognize the haggling dialogue with a broom salesman as an homage to the Abbot and Costello "Who's On First?" routine, kids will love it simply for it's silliness with language. Howard Fine's in-your-face, exaggerated paintings will catch and keep readers' attentions.

Witch book for you? This one!
This is a wonderful, entertaining tale for adults as well as children. A modern twist to the old fairy tales with clever woven-in references to characters of other tales, movies and television. I love to read this book aloud with my 7 year old daughter. You just can't read it without becoming the characters!

We think Zoom Broom is a great book with colorful pictures.
Margie Palatini's book was fun to read. We like the way the story and illustrations went together and how she used the witches from other stories, TV shows and movies. We like the way the words expressed the feelings of excitement in the story. Grich the Witch and the sly fox were our favorites and made us laugh out loud. We would recommend the book to children from first to fourth grade. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A family favorite
My mother in law introduced this book to my 18 month old son during one of her visits. Reading it in a song like fashion caught and kept his attention and he continues to request the fox book during our story reading sessions. The copy was one her three sons adored and she's handed it down to us. As with her sons, it's become a favorite around here. It's a little gruesome in reality, but we can't keep our kids in a bubble about everything. ... Read more

Book Description

Figgy Twosocks, Jefferson Bear, and friends return in a new adventure that explores the timeless and universal themes of friendship and forgiveness.Figgy Twosocks has lost Jefferson Bear's favorite scratching stick, and she's too scared to tell him. What if he doesn't want to be her friend anymore? Then Figgy learns that if you're truly sorry, friends will forgive and forget. ... Read more