Author/Illustrator: Peter Spier
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young readers, 1961, 2014
Ages: 3-7yrs
Themes: fox, folk song, New England
Opening: The fox went out on a chilly night, and he prayed to the moon to give him light,for he’d many miles to go that night before he reached the town-o, town-o, town-o…
Summary: (from my library catalog) The countryside of New England is depicted in the pictures accompanying this folk song in which a fox travels many miles to get dinner for his wife and ten cubs. Includes musical notation.
I like this book because: my sister used to lead us in song on long car rides while we were growing up, and one of our favorite drives was to go leaf peeping in New England, specifically into Connecticut, every Columbus Day. Though never out-of-print, this reissue is now full-color, as the illustrator was asked to add to the black and white spreads of the original book – over fifty years later! I enjoy both versions.
Resources/activities: learn to sing the song – music in the back of the book; discuss how a folk song might be different than a pop song, and list songs a family might enjoy singing on a car ride (just as the author and his wife sang this one!), as well as other activities we engage in to pass the time.
For more PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE
Since I grew up listening to the Burl Ives version, I had to go hunting for a link! And here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf68WdkDcTY
Memories…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy!
LikeLike
When the little ones “chew on the bones-o” always gave me a shiver!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Editing a book fifty years later – wow! Sounds fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not read the book, but I do remember the Burl Ives song about the Fox. The Fox has stood the test of time as a really great story, Like you Julie, we used to sing songs in the car as a child to pass the time. And they were age-appropriate songs and not the rock songs the kids sing today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I Had a Hammer was a fave, Patricia!
LikeLike
Julie, I had never heard of this book, but it sounds very sweet. I can see how it kept you busy on long trips. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The singing (otherwise I was crazy for Archie comic books on road trips!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the rhythm and time the text conjures up for me. I am glad Cathy added the link.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, Peter Spier! His work never gets old. I’ll look for the reissue. I don’t have this one of his.
LikeLike
Hope you like it, Joanne!
LikeLike
This looks really cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you like that old-timey music!
LikeLike
That song reminds me of childhood, too. I’m loving the illustrations. On hold!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good!
LikeLike
Canace sang this whole song at the talent show at Dunn, I remember.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up singing this song… but it was Pete Seeger I recall who sang it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t remember the song or the book, although it looks adorable. i do know If I had a Hammer. Love the colors of the book, amazing 50 years on and still going strong. How cool! We can do that – you think?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really amazing that he could. Skills!!!
LikeLike