What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Fur Family
Cuddle up with this timeless, beloved classic from Margaret Wise Brown and Garth Williams. The entire book is bound in soft and cozy imitation fur and packaged in a keepsake box! Little Fur Family tells the story of a little fur child's day in the woods with his family. The day ends when his big fur parents tuck him in bed "all soft and warm," and sing him to sleep with a lovely bedtime song. Garth Williams's soft illustrations join Margaret Wise Brown's rhythmic text to create a gentle lullaby. Featuring a fun, interactive element—a soft, brown, furry cover for little ones to touch and feel—this oversized edition of Little Fur Family is sure to comfort and delight readers.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1946
7 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Wise Brown
393 books1,212 followersMargaret Wise Brown wrote hundreds of books and stories during her life, but she is best known for Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. Even though she died nearly 70 years ago, her books still sell very well.
Margaret loved animals. Most of her books have animals as characters in the story. She liked to write books that had a rhythm to them. Sometimes she would put a hard word into the story or poem. She thought this made children think harder when they are reading.
She wrote all the time. There are many scraps of paper where she quickly wrote down a story idea or a poem. She said she dreamed stories and then had to write them down in the morning before she forgot them.
She tried to write the way children wanted to hear a story, which often isn't the same way an adult would tell a story. She also taught illustrators to draw the way a child saw things. One time she gave two puppies to someone who was going to draw a book with that kind of dog. The illustrator painted many pictures one day and then fell asleep. When he woke up, the papers he painted on were bare. The puppies had licked all the paint off the paper.
Margaret died after surgery for a bursting appendix while in France. She had many friends who still miss her. They say she was a creative genius who made a room come to life with her excitement. Margaret saw herself as something else - a writer of songs and nonsense.
Margaret loved animals. Most of her books have animals as characters in the story. She liked to write books that had a rhythm to them. Sometimes she would put a hard word into the story or poem. She thought this made children think harder when they are reading.
She wrote all the time. There are many scraps of paper where she quickly wrote down a story idea or a poem. She said she dreamed stories and then had to write them down in the morning before she forgot them.
She tried to write the way children wanted to hear a story, which often isn't the same way an adult would tell a story. She also taught illustrators to draw the way a child saw things. One time she gave two puppies to someone who was going to draw a book with that kind of dog. The illustrator painted many pictures one day and then fell asleep. When he woke up, the papers he painted on were bare. The puppies had licked all the paint off the paper.
Margaret died after surgery for a bursting appendix while in France. She had many friends who still miss her. They say she was a creative genius who made a room come to life with her excitement. Margaret saw herself as something else - a writer of songs and nonsense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
December 14, 2016
Another adorable book by the legendary Margaret Wise Brown. My edition comes in a special box, and the entire cover is plain brown faux fur. (My granddaughter thinks it is an extra special book, since she has never seen a book covered in fur before, or have a special box just for 1 book, lol.) The illustrations are darling. We love this book. My grandson, who just turned 1, was enamored with it. He sat still through the whole story, and listened and looked at the pictures. The tale is simple, detailing a day in the life of the little fur family, in particular, the fur child. I can't imagine any little one not liking this book.
October 8, 2017
My son loved to pet this book.
September 16, 2016
It's kind of... weird.
After a closer look in one of my children's literature classes, I think I like it a little bit better (interestingly, it turned out to be a great book to look at through the New Criticism lens!), but still not my favorite.
After a closer look in one of my children's literature classes, I think I like it a little bit better (interestingly, it turned out to be a great book to look at through the New Criticism lens!), but still not my favorite.
May 25, 2010
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOK in the ENTIRE history of my reading career
April 9, 2015
It's sort of like a poem? But the meter feels a little off. It doesn't flow quite as well as, say, something by Dr. Seuss.
The main character and family are a "fur family" -- not bears, not people, not... What are they?
Basically the book is about the littlest member of the fur family being a good steward of the earth (he catches and releases a fish, a bug... A much smaller fur thing?). But then you must also know that the first edition of this book had a dust jacket made of real rabbit fur. Wrap your head around that delicious irony.
The main character and family are a "fur family" -- not bears, not people, not... What are they?
Basically the book is about the littlest member of the fur family being a good steward of the earth (he catches and releases a fish, a bug... A much smaller fur thing?). But then you must also know that the first edition of this book had a dust jacket made of real rabbit fur. Wrap your head around that delicious irony.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
Genre: Modern fantasy, grades K-1
I understand that this book is a classic, but I fail to see why. I feel like the only thing this book has going for it is that it's old. Not much happens in the story and the world that's set up is not very well explained. This may be a classic from 1946, but nowadays there are much more imaginative books for children to be reading.
I understand that this book is a classic, but I fail to see why. I feel like the only thing this book has going for it is that it's old. Not much happens in the story and the world that's set up is not very well explained. This may be a classic from 1946, but nowadays there are much more imaginative books for children to be reading.
July 23, 2023
Literally all I want is my own little fur family but instead all I have is NOTHING
August 16, 2012
When you read Little Fur Family in the 21st century, it's an almost sadly nostalgic picture book. The Fur Mother bathing her child in a old fashioned tub, the Fur Child's Depression-era coat and hat; the glow of lantern and candle and firelight as night falls at the end. This isn't necessarily a deep story (although I've since read that there are themes of life and death, and the power over death, which is faintly disturbing to me); it's powerful because it's simple. Small adventures - catching a fish, visiting grandpa, finding a neat looking bug. The majesty of this story lies in the sparse text, combined with its warm illustrations.
May 9, 2009
"There was a little fur family
warm as toast
smaller than most
in little fur coats
and they lived in a warm wooden tree."
Margaret Wise Brown always combines the magical, the poetic, and the comfortable into her books in varying degrees. This is a simple story about a day in the life of a little fur boy. He is washed, explores the woods and is sung a bedtime song by his parents. There is a lot of rhyme, but it is not forced into a pattern. My boys laugh when the child and the grandpa sneeze.
John's favorite part: the bedtime song
warm as toast
smaller than most
in little fur coats
and they lived in a warm wooden tree."
Margaret Wise Brown always combines the magical, the poetic, and the comfortable into her books in varying degrees. This is a simple story about a day in the life of a little fur boy. He is washed, explores the woods and is sung a bedtime song by his parents. There is a lot of rhyme, but it is not forced into a pattern. My boys laugh when the child and the grandpa sneeze.
John's favorite part: the bedtime song
July 29, 2013
Am I the only one who thinks this is menacing as hell? What are these ambiguous "fur animals" and why are they wearing FUR COATS?
January 17, 2018
I liked this book!
It was cute
It was cute
January 6, 2022
Cutest illustrations ever
August 6, 2024
Eh not for me. Cute that the book is about a little fur family and it is a little furry book. At times it was inconsistent and confusing
August 10, 2025
Cute illustrations!
March 20, 2022
cute but creepy too
July 7, 2015
Category/Genre: Picture Book
Age Level: Pre K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 1st/2nd grade, approximately
This edition of “Little Fur Family,” small and covered in (faux) fur, reflects its very characters—charming for those just becoming acquainted with the wonder of books, or for the elementary reader who recognizes just how clever the production of this tome is. This story showcases the cozy family life of an indeterminate species of small, furry animal who lives snugly in a tree and who have at their doorstep the wide world of the forest. From the moment the reader touches and then opens this book, he/she is drawn into a realm of the imagination that is delightful and fantastical. Ultimately, the safety and well-being of the little fur child is at the heart of his adventure-filled day. There is a bit of drama and suspense when it becomes windy, when the child is not sure where his mother is, and so forth, but all-in-all this little romp of a story is soothing and of an all-is-well-that-ends-well kind of mentality. The fur child’s parents love him more than he knows, and he is safe and secure even as he explores the world around him.
2 characteristics that make this a quality Picture Book:
-“All aspects of a book’s design can reinforce or extend the meaning of the story.” (Huck, p. 79)
This edition, approximately 4”x 5”, is clad in faux fur, cleverly mirroring the book’s characters, who are small and furry, as well. The tangibility of this book is imaginative and inviting to young children.
-Part of the job of a picture book is to expose children to good use of language. Wordless books require the reader to use his/her own language; books with text can either teach language (i.e., ABC books) or showcase the use of language effectively, which is the case in “Little Fur Family.”
There is a rhythm and cadence to the writing that not only pulls the reader along, it lulls him/her some, too, just as the little fur child is lulled by his parents care and love for him. For example, the story begins, “There was a little fur family/warm as toast/smaller than most/in little fur coats/and they lived in a warm wooden tree.” This initial invite into the world of the small furry family draws one right in—not only is the stage of the story set, but the rhyme, the discrepancy between toast/most and coats, and the final breath of the last line all serve to reinforce key elements of language use. The book continues through to its end in a similar fashion.
This picture book is appropriate for young children for a variety of reasons. Its tactile appeal engages the senses immediately, and the story is full of playful language, interesting to the listener in much the same way the fur interests the eyes, nose and hands. This multi-sensory approach to book appreciation is sure to be heralded by teachers and caregivers alike. The story is simple and pure—an imaginative and delightful read for anyone, and perhaps especially so for those youngsters in need of a respite from chaotic lives and unpredictable adults. While much can be said about the necessity for realistic stories, a trip into a fantastical, safe and happy world is good for the soul and an antidote to the anxiety felt, unfortunately, by many children in today’s hectic world.
Find a review here: http://www.harpercollins.com/97806940...
*It is difficult to locate something on the www other than a customer review about this edition of “Little Fur Family.” While the URL above is linked to a very short write-up of the book, it reinforces what I wrote in my review, lending credibility to my belief that it is a good book for young children.
Age Level: Pre K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 1st/2nd grade, approximately
This edition of “Little Fur Family,” small and covered in (faux) fur, reflects its very characters—charming for those just becoming acquainted with the wonder of books, or for the elementary reader who recognizes just how clever the production of this tome is. This story showcases the cozy family life of an indeterminate species of small, furry animal who lives snugly in a tree and who have at their doorstep the wide world of the forest. From the moment the reader touches and then opens this book, he/she is drawn into a realm of the imagination that is delightful and fantastical. Ultimately, the safety and well-being of the little fur child is at the heart of his adventure-filled day. There is a bit of drama and suspense when it becomes windy, when the child is not sure where his mother is, and so forth, but all-in-all this little romp of a story is soothing and of an all-is-well-that-ends-well kind of mentality. The fur child’s parents love him more than he knows, and he is safe and secure even as he explores the world around him.
2 characteristics that make this a quality Picture Book:
-“All aspects of a book’s design can reinforce or extend the meaning of the story.” (Huck, p. 79)
This edition, approximately 4”x 5”, is clad in faux fur, cleverly mirroring the book’s characters, who are small and furry, as well. The tangibility of this book is imaginative and inviting to young children.
-Part of the job of a picture book is to expose children to good use of language. Wordless books require the reader to use his/her own language; books with text can either teach language (i.e., ABC books) or showcase the use of language effectively, which is the case in “Little Fur Family.”
There is a rhythm and cadence to the writing that not only pulls the reader along, it lulls him/her some, too, just as the little fur child is lulled by his parents care and love for him. For example, the story begins, “There was a little fur family/warm as toast/smaller than most/in little fur coats/and they lived in a warm wooden tree.” This initial invite into the world of the small furry family draws one right in—not only is the stage of the story set, but the rhyme, the discrepancy between toast/most and coats, and the final breath of the last line all serve to reinforce key elements of language use. The book continues through to its end in a similar fashion.
This picture book is appropriate for young children for a variety of reasons. Its tactile appeal engages the senses immediately, and the story is full of playful language, interesting to the listener in much the same way the fur interests the eyes, nose and hands. This multi-sensory approach to book appreciation is sure to be heralded by teachers and caregivers alike. The story is simple and pure—an imaginative and delightful read for anyone, and perhaps especially so for those youngsters in need of a respite from chaotic lives and unpredictable adults. While much can be said about the necessity for realistic stories, a trip into a fantastical, safe and happy world is good for the soul and an antidote to the anxiety felt, unfortunately, by many children in today’s hectic world.
Find a review here: http://www.harpercollins.com/97806940...
*It is difficult to locate something on the www other than a customer review about this edition of “Little Fur Family.” While the URL above is linked to a very short write-up of the book, it reinforces what I wrote in my review, lending credibility to my belief that it is a good book for young children.
July 12, 2018
Margaret Wise Brown created a MASTERPIECE with this little children's book. I can easily say that it is one of the BEST I have ever read. The way it flows . . . In parts it reads like poetry. And it sweetly and consistently enveloped me as only the coziest blanket could. Gave me all the warm fuzzies! My only complaint is that it took me all these years to find it. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. <3
July 4, 2013
This darling little children's book was a part of all of my babies' childhoods, which is saying a lot, since there is a fifteen year gap between oldest and youngest. It is a tiny volume, not a board book, but rather it comes clothed in a very soft fake-fur cover that a small child can readily hold, and which is not so easily torn, since it takes fine motor skills to rip such little pages. It is a traditional tale of great comfort (perhaps more useful in traditional families). The fur father goes off to work, and the fur baby is the only child in the family. His mother stays in their forest home all day, and the fur child goes out to play in the woods, where he is completely safe and never threatened, and then comes home to a warm meal in a loving home. It has very few words on the pages, and with my youngest toddlers, I ignored the words completely and just talked about the pictures, or imagined what the characters might be saying to one another (out loud, of course!).
If you are shopping for a shower gift, for a grandchild, or even for your own little person, this is a great find. I don't think I'd put it in a classroom, where it would easily become mislaid or grimy.
If you are shopping for a shower gift, for a grandchild, or even for your own little person, this is a great find. I don't think I'd put it in a classroom, where it would easily become mislaid or grimy.
August 27, 2013
What can be said about this book other than I doubt it could be published today - Margaret Wise Brown was true to her own muse, and I doubt any editor could tell her what to write. It is bizarre (what kinds of animals are these? Why is a bear's grandfather a dog? What is the littlest creature?) It is amazingly comforting for most small children to have this read to them, and I set the song to a melody which I sang to my son as part of a medley of songs I had to sing over and over every night between the ages of four and seven. The last song was "Hush, Little Baby" which proved to be quite important to me! (see my books). Garth Williams was given a lot of grief about making the bunnies in "The Rabbits' Wedding" black and white - to the point where certain libraries in the south wouldn't carry the book. Nobody notices that the Mommy and Daddy in this book are different 'races' - look at the shape of the eyes. As our family is mixed Asian/Caucasian, this was not lost on us, however. One of my all time favorites.
August 15, 2007
this book is surreal, but very sweet.
again, it is a callum favourite.
the phrasing is kind of weird and cal is mostly excited about the sneezing and the "thump thump thump" action words.
again, it's a gentle book that end with a song - the lyrics are there, but we have to make up the melody, which is cool because it naturally changes with each read.
it's the trippyness of the book makes it enjoyable for me as a parent to read.
again, it is a callum favourite.
the phrasing is kind of weird and cal is mostly excited about the sneezing and the "thump thump thump" action words.
again, it's a gentle book that end with a song - the lyrics are there, but we have to make up the melody, which is cool because it naturally changes with each read.
it's the trippyness of the book makes it enjoyable for me as a parent to read.
March 5, 2009
The size! oh, it is all about the size and the fur and the tininess of the entire book, illustrations, and mood. I treasure the bazillions of times I read this book snuggling with my son - it was pricey for the time I bought it, but worth every cent. I have given this book as a gift over and over again and it is a simple treasure. The fur cover is just the best, ridiculous touch - this book is such a treasure.
November 10, 2014
I guess it is me, but this story didn't do much for me. Sure, I liked Garth Williams' illustrations. I always like his work. The story is supposed to be one of those gentle loving ones. Yeah, I don't care much for them. :)
Do we know what kind of animal this is? Why is it that I am supposed to be all mushy after reading this?
To each his own. If you like it, enjoy! I'll skip this one in the future.
Do we know what kind of animal this is? Why is it that I am supposed to be all mushy after reading this?
To each his own. If you like it, enjoy! I'll skip this one in the future.
July 20, 2016
The art in this book feels like slides from a slideshow. (Not in a bad way) The story is similar to Little Bear. It's mostly "realistic", except for when little bear is at the river looking at stuff. First he picks up a fish... then he picks up a lady bug... then he sees a miniature version of himself walk right by. I enjoyed this one page hallucination in midst bear family neorealism
This book came out in 1946. It's 30 years older than me. Older than ISBN
This book came out in 1946. It's 30 years older than me. Older than ISBN
August 21, 2008
This is a funny little book about a simple day in the life of a little fur child. He runs out to have an adventure in the "wild wild woods" around his home. The use of the word "wild" repetedly in discribing aspects of nature is moody and fantastic. Yet the comfort and safty of his home is a sturdy presance.
November 27, 2008
This is some freaky stuff. It took me a looooong time to figure out what this story was REALLY about. A totally puzzling experience--I think that is the point. Life is very puzzling, and so is the book Little Fur Family. There is some weird thing in it about holding a vole, and being much larger than a vole, and then running through some woods that are much larger than you.
January 20, 2010
I remember checking this book out from my primary school library in first grade, and LOVING it. I thought it was so cute, and especially loved the tiny tiny fur animal, the littlest fur animal in the world. I just checked this out of the library for Annea and I love it all over again. Garth Williams' illustrations are so incredibly wonderful.
April 5, 2011
Poetic warm, cozy story- nice use of alliteration- lovely book to read aloud to 3 years and up. Margaret Wise Brown's language is spot on. Another genius! It is also a nice book, after having it read to him or her, for the young elementary reader to read to someone. :) Her language makes it easy to remember the story, even if the child doesn't yet know all the words.
February 1, 2015
I really like this book. It is simple, yet somehow profound. I like the way it describes going out on an adventure into the world and returning to a safe, cozy home at the end of the adventure. I want to live in the little tree! I hope my son feels like our home is a cozy, safe place to return to at the end of his daily adventures.
May 21, 2015
Margaret Wise Brown's Little Fur Family is the glimpse into the lives of a family of small fur critters that is both poetic and nostalgic. My own little critters enjoyed this tale although my 3 year old insisted that the little fur family was a family of monsters. You win some you lose some, I guess.
May 30, 2020
A day in the life of the little fur family. What is special about this book is that the pages are wrapped inside a soft, faux fur cover that children will love to touch and hold. The story, though, seems lacking and is told in an odd way and without heart. I much prefer the Little Bear stories by Else Holmelund Minarik.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews