Along Came a Fox

PreS-Gr 1–Bramble, a naive and bumbling fox, sets out to watch fireflies, but discovers his reflection instead! While initially frightened, he lashes out at the fox in the water, only to receive the same anger and insults directed right back. He seeks the guidance of Hazel, an adorable and jumpy hedgehog, and Twig, a wise and tiny owl. With Twig’s help, Bramble recognizes that he was the one to speak harsh words first, and when he changes his attitude, so does the “other fox.” The animals never realize who these new “friends” in the water actually are, but children will delight in the discovery and in knowing something these animals do not. Deutsch crafts the story superbly, with excellent cadence that begs to be read aloud. Interesting vocabulary words such as “sputtered” and “bristled” accompany the childlike thoughts of Bramble who “didn’t have a clue where fireflies hide. In that scratchy bush? Nope.” Bramble’s appearance is just as delightful, with his big ears, bushy tail, and long whiskers. The enchanting forest is bathed in moonlight so the trees appear grey and teal. Red flowers and ferns speckle the ground. The last page is particularly exquisite as the friends and their likenesses bask in the big round moon with fireflies sparkling all about.