FICTION

The Christmas Fox

by Anik MCGRORY
illus. by Anik McGrory. 32p. Knopf. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781101935002.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—A bluebird, a lamb, the stars in the sky, and a few other wild and domesticated animals entreat a little fox to join them in bringing gifts to a new baby. Fox doesn't seem to listen, preferring to dance with snowflakes and romp in the stream, but when he shows up at the barn, his playfulness is a gift in itself. The full-spread illustrations portray a winsome young fox frolicking against a snowy scene glowing with soft, rich colors. The text, though simple enough for preschoolers, doesn't bring anything new to the Christmas story; the moral isn't expressed in a way that is particularly resonant or forceful. That there was most likely no snow in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night might not be a problem, since this baby isn't ever named as baby Jesus—even though he is in a manger surrounded by animals.
VERDICT A visually appealing but forgettable story.
Reviewed by Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
The other animals try to persuade a little fox to visit a newborn baby in a stable, but the fox would rather play, especially since it's without a gift. As night falls, even the stars whisper, "Come." Finally, a donkey convinces the fox that its presence is gift enough (though it does offer up an acorn it has dug up out of the snow). McGrory's loosely painted but carefully rendered characters are placed within a snowy landscape, following the fox's day from dawn until dusk. The full-bleed double-page-spread illustrations are done in what appear to be watercolor washes, with intentional smudges of paint and sketchy charcoal outlines. This homey take on the Nativity story delivers a warm tale of love and humility for the holidays. madoka fukai
Animals try to persuade a little fox to visit a newborn baby in a stable, but the fox doesn't have a gift and would rather play. Finally, a donkey convinces the fox that its presence is gift enough. Loosely painted, carefully rendered characters are placed within a snowy landscape. This homey take on the Nativity story delivers a warm tale of love and humility.
 , Oct 01, 2016

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