Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Publisher: Pantheon Books, 1951; illustrations: 1977
Age: 3-7
Themes: foxes, animals, animal habits
Opening: (image below)
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) A fox causes consternation among the animals whose secrets he discovers. Little do they realize that because of the fox’s secret, they have no cause for worry.
I like this book because: I was intrigued by an image that Jama Kim Rattigan posted from the book and was so glad I could get it through my local library system. And that cover!!! Wow! What a surprise! But my favorite part of the book has become the sound of the fox’s cough – Whiskerchew!
Resources/Activities: great companion book when discussing animal habits, habitats, and their sleeping and hunting rhythms, together with Night Animals from Gianna Marino, or Owl Moon from Jane Yolen.
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
Fox trot?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smarty pants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A timeless picture book. What a great cover and illustrations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too funny! Love your dance diagram. And now I’ve got to find this book. Love the illustrations (those eyes!!) and am intrigued by the cough sound—whiskerchew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That fox is looking at me!
What is with the difference of 26 years between publication and illustrations?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m guessing another illustrator worked on the original publication?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admire the way Garth Williams draws animals that are sweet and lovable but not saccharine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right – he sure had that skill down!
LikeLike
Thought you might enjoy this: https://megumilemons.blogspot.com/2009/06/garth-williams-in-kunel-magazine.html
LikeLike
Gorgeous illustrations which would have me picking up the book in a flash. Thanks for sharing Joanna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You find the best classic picture books, Julie. Such an amazing cover with those haunting eyes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was surprised at that cover when I picked it up at the library. I had placed a hold based on an interior illustration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t believe I haven’t read this! thanks for sharing your review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad I still can find little gems through my library!
LikeLike