Nanny Fox

by Georgie Adams

Illustrated by Selina Young


Arnold Fox, a young fox with a love for chickens, takes a job as nanny to Mrs. Buff Orpinton's brood of six chicks and proves his courage when his hungry siblings stop by one night for a chicken dinner.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Georgie Adams is a British children's author and editor. She was born in Tunbridge Wells, and grew up in Kent and Sussex. She was an editor for many years in the UK and Australia, was co-director of a small publishing company in London, before becoming a successful writer of children's books. She has written over 70 books, mostly for young children. Georgie is married to artist and printmaker, Tom Adams, has two daughters and three stepchildren, and lives in a rural part of North Cornwall, overlooking the Kensey Valley.

Reviews

[Dela]

Got this for my nephew. Logging in as I’m ridiculously behind on my goodreads goal so no you didn’t see this

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nanny Fox is a lovely story about a fox who decides to take on the role of being a nanny to some chickens that live nearby. The story goes against the norm and depicts a situation that wouldn’t be typical in the real world as foxes hunt and eat chickens. The writer has still included this norm in the story, however she emphasizes the power of an individual’s choice by having one fox decide to befriend and even protect the chickens from his own family.
I have suggested this book be appropriate for upper key stage 1 children because this shows children that decision-making is not always about following the majority, but having the courage to do what is right also even though he has not been taught this view by his relatives. They may also associate nannies and caregivers with a female as opposed to male, however the book again defies this showing small children that anybody could and should look after those who need looking after.
As well as an interesting plot the book’s layout will help children’s reading. The direct speech is in a larger font so children can identify characters and sue expression. The pictures are dominant to assist in any tricky words or sentences. The words will move children on in their reading in preparation for key stage 2. I have rated the book 4/5.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a fox who wants to be friends with the chickens instead of eating them. It can be tough when you go against the expectations of your family, but you have to follow your heart. Even if it means a fox becoming a nanny for some chicks...

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Arnold the Fox with every fiber of my being, and I love this book with every fiber of my being, and it is truly the most preciousest thing I've ever read with my own eyeballs T_T

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story that plays against type

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnold is so lovely - the best nanny any chicken could wish for.

[H. Givens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little fox loves chickens, but not to eat -- just to be friends. He becomes a nanny for baby chicks, and defends them when his brothers and sisters come to eat them. I usually don't like stories about foxes eating other anthropomorphic animals, but this one actually takes that and makes it the theme, which I appreciate. I could see extending this to real-life bullying situations, for instance. At first I thought it seemed unfinished, since the foxes just decide to find somewhere else to hunt rather than changing their ways entirely, but sometimes that's the best you can ask for in real life. The takeaway is that it's okay for Arnold to be sweet and sensitive and a nanny and to protect the little chicks, which is awesome.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, these are big concepts in this story. My class had a chuckle. We talked about how foxes are usually depicted in stories: Sneaky, mean and sly. This fox doesn't seem to follow the traditional family roles set out for him though. Sometimes some people just aren't like the rest of the people in their family. It can be hard when your family does things you just can't with with any more. In our class we did talk about how you don't have to be the same to be friends (foxes COULD be friends with hens, if only....)

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the tradition of stories where one animal ends up on the side of its traditional enemy, this story about crossing boundaries, and being true to what you love even when your own community tells you that's not the way we do it, this is an enjoyable read with Tony Ross style illustrations. Pair with Rosie's Walk or even Fantastic Mr Fox for an alternative take on the chicken-fox relationship.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about sticking up for what you think is correct.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son liked this book, but I found it a bit disturbing. I still can't believe that mother hen entrusted her chicks to the care of the fox.

[Lindsey Gilbert]

Interesting concepts in this story, of course presented in a very cute format.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for use as a mentor text: punctuation when using speech; characterisation; persuasive texts.

[Deja Bertucci]

farm, chickens, fox, being yourself, protecting those you love