Product Description

When Fox dies the rest of his 'family' are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3182 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-02
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 39 pages

From the Back Cover
When Fox dies, his friends think that they will never get over their great sadness. Hare, Otter and Mole are all inconsolable, and through the winter a great silence falls on their home. But when spring comes, Squirrel calls on his friends, and reminds them of all the funny things that Fox used to do. And as the friends share dinner together they tell stories of Fox, and realize that he is still in their hearts and memories, still part of their family. and will be always and forever

A beautiful, moving story of loss and consolation by highly acclaimed writer Alan Durant. The tender, glowing artwork by Debi Gliori perfectly compliments this glorious book.

About the Author
Alan Durant is the author of books for a wide age-range, from picture books such as Mouse Party, and Big Bad Bunny to first fiction like My Little Troll stories to the teen thrillers Publish or Die and The Ring of Truth to series such as Creepe Hall, Leggs United and the forthcoming Bad Boyz. He is the author of the older novels A Short Stay in Purgatory, The Good Book,and Blood for Random House. Debi Gliori is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the very popular Mr Bear series. She won the Children's Book Award picture book section, and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1997. Her backlist at Transworld includes Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep and The Very Small. Pure Dead Magic, the start of a trilogy, was her first novel. The second part, Pure Dead Wicked was published in 2002 and the concluding novel, Pure Dead Brilliant was in 2003. Debi lives in Scotland, near Edinburgh. Debi Gliori is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the very popular Mr Bear series. She won the Children's Book Award picture book section, and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1997. Her backlist in Doubleday/Corgi includes TELL ME SOMETHING HAPPY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP and THE VERY SMALL. PURE DEAD MAGIC, the start of a trilogy, was her first novel. The second part, PURE DEAD WICKED was published in April 2002. Debi lives in Scotland, near Edinburgh.

Customer Reviews

A Wonderful Book
This is an excellent book. I came across it in my school when it was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award a few years ago. The story of how the animals cope with the death of Fox is gently told and would be good for all children to read, but especially those who have lost a loved one. The illustrations are beautiful and the story's ending is uplifting, although I must confess that I cannot read it or tell anyone about it without crying (a little embarrassing infront of your pupils, but there you go). Highly recommended, but if you are soppy like me buy a pack of tissues with it.

A great story to share with all ages
¡§Otter, Mole, Fox and Hare lived together in a house in the woods.¡¨ In their family, Fox always played a wise role. As far as the others of this family were concerned, Fox was the father of the house. But one day, Fox died in the woods. His family was very sad, they felt totally lost without Fox. The worst thing was that they didn't want to do anything except think about their sorrow. But then Squirrel came to visit them and reminded them of the funny things Fox had done, and finally they all understood that Fox will always be in their hearts and memories and all of the memories will last forever.
Charming and exquisite pictures will make you feel deeply impressed with this book. Most drawings appear in double-page spreads, they are detailed and transmit the deeply emotional aura of this story. Since I have bought this book, I can hardly put it down. This is the first time¡FI feel a strong impulse to learn how to illustrate children's picture books.
Fluent text and a moving story make this book my favorite of any I have read recently. At the beginning the author uses metaphor, which is extremely appropriate to symbolize that Fox will die soon. Nevertheless, in this work the most striking sentence is the words that Squirrel said ¡§But life has to go on.¡¨ Especially the way she remembered some of the amusing things Fox had done in the past to comfort and encourage her friends. Although the theme of this story is somewhat sad, children can learn to come to terms with bereavement and face the loss of close relatives in human life. It is a good way for children to realize that no matter how sad they are, life has to go on after all.
This is a thoughtful as well as a very heartwarming story, which all children should enjoy. Well worth treasuring and reading.

by HG, Leeds
I bought this book for my 3 children, aged 5,3 and 1 when my dad died suddenly. It explains death in a very gentle child friendly way, and encourages children to remember happy things about those that have died, not just sad things. The ilustrations are beautiful.

My children adore the book still, and if we're feeling a bit sad, or just remembering grandad we sit and read it, rarely with dry eyes! I now recommend it to al my friends who are struggling explaining death to young children.