Apples for Little Fox

Fox loves to read, especially mysteries, and he also loves apples. Someday he hopes to be a famous detective like the ones in his favorite books, but he needs a case to solve. "Every night Fox wished that something mysterious would happen. But nothing ever did. Nothing at all." Meanwhile, a double-page-spread illustration shows that something mysterious is indeed happening while Fox sleeps. The next day, he finds that the tree by his house--the one from which he gathers apples on his daily trip to the library--has been picked clean, and he methodically sets about solving the case. While Fox hunts for clues and interviews witnesses ("I was asleep," declares the worm in an apple on the ground), he overlooks potential leads that viewers have opportunities to observe. With clean backgrounds, simple shapes, and bright autumnal colors, the illustrations depicting Fox's domain are full of entertaining details, including pictures of famous literary detectives framed on Fox's wall and objects from Fox's house that show up throughout the story, as well as important clues to notice that will empower readers and listeners to solve the mystery before Fox does. Ending appropriately with a woodland birthday party and an apple pie, this cheery tale introduces the conventions of the mystery genre to the youngest sleuths. julie roach