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Cinnabar: The One O'Clock Fox
George Washington meets his match in a wily fox in this legendary hunting tale from Newbery Award–winning author Marguerite Henry
Cinnabar is a fox. He lives in a den with his family, Vicky and four little cubs. He’s a hardworking fox who does everything he can to ensure that his family has what they need. But during fox hunting season, he likes to have a little fun: Every hunt day, promptly at one o’clock, Cinnabar shows up and runs until nightfall. Can the huntsmen ever catch this clever fox?
Based on an old legend about fox hunting in the area around Mount Vernon, Cinnabar pits one very wily fox against George Washington himself—and the result is a wild chase for all!
Cinnabar is a fox. He lives in a den with his family, Vicky and four little cubs. He’s a hardworking fox who does everything he can to ensure that his family has what they need. But during fox hunting season, he likes to have a little fun: Every hunt day, promptly at one o’clock, Cinnabar shows up and runs until nightfall. Can the huntsmen ever catch this clever fox?
Based on an old legend about fox hunting in the area around Mount Vernon, Cinnabar pits one very wily fox against George Washington himself—and the result is a wild chase for all!
Hardcover
Published July 1, 1980
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About the author
Marguerite Henry
124 books750 followersMarguerite Henry (April 13, 1902–November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 16, 2021
"Oh, frogs and mice, and all things nice!" he trilled in rapture. Then up he sprang into the air, flaunting his tawny red coat against the blue of sky. And so, in full view of thirty eager horsemen and a pack of bloodthirsty hounds, he went flying downhill. Bravely, he headed toward them, then with a teasing grin, he circled in front of them and veered away like a wisp of red vapor.
The daring Cinnabar likes to live life on the edge as he leads the fox hunters, a group led by none other than George Washington, on a merry chase.
Much as I dislike Cinnabar's penchant for dangerous shenanigans when he's got a wife and kids (in Baltimore, Jack), I can't help but admire his joie de vivre.
With illustrations by Wesley Dennis.
And, such lovely endpapers!
The daring Cinnabar likes to live life on the edge as he leads the fox hunters, a group led by none other than George Washington, on a merry chase.
Much as I dislike Cinnabar's penchant for dangerous shenanigans when he's got a wife and kids (in Baltimore, Jack), I can't help but admire his joie de vivre.
With illustrations by Wesley Dennis.
And, such lovely endpapers!
October 6, 2019
The eponymous Cinnabar leads General George Washington and his fox-hunting companions on a merry chase in this engaging animal story from Marguerite Henry, a children's author better known for her many pony books, from
Misty of Chincoteague
to
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
. A cunning hunter and a clever prey, Cinnabar was a fox with a strong sense of adventure, and a mischievous liking for playing tricks. Dependable to the extreme - his moniker, 'the one o'clock fox,' was derived from the fact that he always, without fail, appeared on hunting day at one o'clock, eager to give the huntsmen and their dogs a good run - Cinnabar is particularly eager for the thrill of the hunt at the beginning of the story, as his recent duties as the father of an up and coming litter of hungry pups had given him little time for recreation. But although the day starts off in a manner pleasing to our vulpine hero - Cinnabar manages to hopelessly entangle the hounds in a large cornfield, and to escape after getting a dunking at the local grist mill - an encounter with a leg trap set by the angry Farmer Grimm leaves him missing a toe, and in great pain. Has Cinnabar finally been defeated, or will the One O'clock Fox triumph again...?
Apparently based upon a real fox that frequently challenged George Washington and his hunt to a chase, but was never captured - Henry cites folk stories told by illustrator Wesley Dennis's wife, but I'd love to know if there is any mention of this fox in the historical record - Cinnabar is an engaging hero. Although I find sport hunting repugnant, and am rather doubtful that the prey enjoys the process as much as the hunter, I do find it fascinating that foxes, in particular, are often depicted as equal participants in the process. Seen as clever - often, just as clever as their human adversaries - foxes are rarely viewed as victims of human aggression in these hunting stories, even when the competition is uneven, pitting men, horses, dogs and guns against one lone fox. Clearly there is something self-serving about this idea - a justification for the enjoyment that hunting a small animal provides? - but the researcher in me also suspects it owes something to the long-standing human perception of our vulpine friends as emblems of both cunning and mischievous fun, perceptions dating back to the medieval stories of Reynard the Fox, and beyond. However that may be, despite my distaste at the idea of sport hunting in general, and fox hunting in particular, I did find this story engaging, no doubt because it encourages the reader to identify with Cinnabar, and root for his triumph. I appreciated the map of the hunt that is included at the beginning of the story, and found the many illustrations by Wesley Dennis - who worked with Henry on many of her books - delightful. I did wonder a bit at the author's choice to anthropomorphize Cannibar to the extent that she did - rather than have him live in a naturalistic den with his mate, Vicky, and his pups, she shows him in an almost human abode, complete with rocking chair, dining table and fireplace - but here again I see the influence of the Reynard stories, which often utilized a similar mixture of naturalistic and anthropomorphic, in the depiction of the fox-hero. Just as interesting as the depiction of Cinnabar's home, is the fact that he seeks shelter in a church after being wounded during the hunt, and is given aid by a kindly charwoman, who quotes from Matthew - "Inasmuch as ye hae done it unto one of the least of these, ye hae done it unto me" - to justify her actions. Is Henry herself deliberately calling the legitimacy of the hunt into question in this scene, contrasting it with the correct Christian way of behaving toward all of God's creatures? I'd have to read more of her work to see what her general stance on sport hunting is, to be sure, but it's an intriguing idea.
All in all, Cinnabar: The One O'Clock Fox is an entertaining tale, one I would recommend to child readers who enjoy animal stories, or to any reader interested in the depiction of foxes in children's literature.
Apparently based upon a real fox that frequently challenged George Washington and his hunt to a chase, but was never captured - Henry cites folk stories told by illustrator Wesley Dennis's wife, but I'd love to know if there is any mention of this fox in the historical record - Cinnabar is an engaging hero. Although I find sport hunting repugnant, and am rather doubtful that the prey enjoys the process as much as the hunter, I do find it fascinating that foxes, in particular, are often depicted as equal participants in the process. Seen as clever - often, just as clever as their human adversaries - foxes are rarely viewed as victims of human aggression in these hunting stories, even when the competition is uneven, pitting men, horses, dogs and guns against one lone fox. Clearly there is something self-serving about this idea - a justification for the enjoyment that hunting a small animal provides? - but the researcher in me also suspects it owes something to the long-standing human perception of our vulpine friends as emblems of both cunning and mischievous fun, perceptions dating back to the medieval stories of Reynard the Fox, and beyond. However that may be, despite my distaste at the idea of sport hunting in general, and fox hunting in particular, I did find this story engaging, no doubt because it encourages the reader to identify with Cinnabar, and root for his triumph. I appreciated the map of the hunt that is included at the beginning of the story, and found the many illustrations by Wesley Dennis - who worked with Henry on many of her books - delightful. I did wonder a bit at the author's choice to anthropomorphize Cannibar to the extent that she did - rather than have him live in a naturalistic den with his mate, Vicky, and his pups, she shows him in an almost human abode, complete with rocking chair, dining table and fireplace - but here again I see the influence of the Reynard stories, which often utilized a similar mixture of naturalistic and anthropomorphic, in the depiction of the fox-hero. Just as interesting as the depiction of Cinnabar's home, is the fact that he seeks shelter in a church after being wounded during the hunt, and is given aid by a kindly charwoman, who quotes from Matthew - "Inasmuch as ye hae done it unto one of the least of these, ye hae done it unto me" - to justify her actions. Is Henry herself deliberately calling the legitimacy of the hunt into question in this scene, contrasting it with the correct Christian way of behaving toward all of God's creatures? I'd have to read more of her work to see what her general stance on sport hunting is, to be sure, but it's an intriguing idea.
All in all, Cinnabar: The One O'Clock Fox is an entertaining tale, one I would recommend to child readers who enjoy animal stories, or to any reader interested in the depiction of foxes in children's literature.
December 13, 2015
While some people think this wasn't one of Marguerite Henry's best, I have to disagree. Even though it wasn't about horses, I enjoyed it very much. Cinnabar is very likable, and his character is of both a fox, and a little bit of human. The songs and quotes were very catchy and I found myself singing them long after I read the book. My favorite was:
"Four little fox cubs, out upon a spree;
One found a rabbit trap. Then there were three!
Three little fox cubs, nothing much to do,
Met up with foxhounds. Then there were two!
Two little fox cubs saw a great big gun.
A man was behind it. And then there was one!
One little fox cub, coy and full of tricks,
Met a little dog-fox. Now there are six!"
I know it may sound awful, but it was a nursery rhyme for the fox cubs, and they sang it, so I don't know. But it's pretty catchy!
I very much enjoyed this, a classic like all of Marguerite Henry's books! :D
"Four little fox cubs, out upon a spree;
One found a rabbit trap. Then there were three!
Three little fox cubs, nothing much to do,
Met up with foxhounds. Then there were two!
Two little fox cubs saw a great big gun.
A man was behind it. And then there was one!
One little fox cub, coy and full of tricks,
Met a little dog-fox. Now there are six!"
I know it may sound awful, but it was a nursery rhyme for the fox cubs, and they sang it, so I don't know. But it's pretty catchy!
I very much enjoyed this, a classic like all of Marguerite Henry's books! :D
June 14, 2021
This is an interesting book that seems completely different from Henry's other writing. For one thing, she anthropomorphizes the foxes, mixing regular fox traits (barking, running on four legs, catching and carrying chickens with the teeth) with human ones: walking on the hind legs, using the front paws for tasks like cooking and combing, etc.
It actually reminded me a lot of Fantastic Mr. Fox, which was published in 1970, nearly 20 years later. (Cinnabar was published in 1956.) I have to wonder if Roald Dahl drew any inspiration from Henry's work. I also wonder why Henry chose to depart so dramatically from her usual format: telling the story of a fox eluding George Washington (a historical context that's typical of her writing) didn't require a family of foxes living in a den that has carpet, candles, a stove, and other very human amenities.
That type of setting works for Dahl, because his writing is always embedded in the strongly fantastical, where the lines between reality and absurdly imaginative territory blur. Henry's is a little too mixed to make sense - she couldn't quite decide between a realistic portrayal and a bunch of humans in furry fox coats. I wonder if it's because she didn't know enough about foxes to make the realism as fully detailed as she ordinarily would; she states in the introduction that she'd kept a couple of fox cubs in captivity to observe them, but that's pretty different from knowing how a fox functions in the wild.
I also don't like the idea of foxes enjoying fox hunts - I doubt any wild animals thrill at being chased by hounds, with death ever at their heels - and perhaps that's another reason that Henry had to give the foxes more human motivations and emotions. See, it's fun for him! He loves getting his foot caught in a trap and having to rip off one of his toes to escape! It's such a great adventure!
Henry's writing is solid, though, with that signature flow of easy-to-read but wonderfully fleshed out descriptions. I liked the tidbits about humans who help the fox escape from the hunt, and there's a good line that Cinnabar tells his cubs: "I have learned that man is a kindly animal with some affection for wild creatures, but you can never trust him completely. The moment you do, it may cost you your life."
Cinnabar feels a little bit like an experimental work for Henry; it doesn't fully land, but it does demonstrate her writing prowess and creativity. Although she's known for her horse books, she clearly had an interest in other areas, and perhaps never got to explore her imagination as much as she might've liked.
It actually reminded me a lot of Fantastic Mr. Fox, which was published in 1970, nearly 20 years later. (Cinnabar was published in 1956.) I have to wonder if Roald Dahl drew any inspiration from Henry's work. I also wonder why Henry chose to depart so dramatically from her usual format: telling the story of a fox eluding George Washington (a historical context that's typical of her writing) didn't require a family of foxes living in a den that has carpet, candles, a stove, and other very human amenities.
That type of setting works for Dahl, because his writing is always embedded in the strongly fantastical, where the lines between reality and absurdly imaginative territory blur. Henry's is a little too mixed to make sense - she couldn't quite decide between a realistic portrayal and a bunch of humans in furry fox coats. I wonder if it's because she didn't know enough about foxes to make the realism as fully detailed as she ordinarily would; she states in the introduction that she'd kept a couple of fox cubs in captivity to observe them, but that's pretty different from knowing how a fox functions in the wild.
I also don't like the idea of foxes enjoying fox hunts - I doubt any wild animals thrill at being chased by hounds, with death ever at their heels - and perhaps that's another reason that Henry had to give the foxes more human motivations and emotions. See, it's fun for him! He loves getting his foot caught in a trap and having to rip off one of his toes to escape! It's such a great adventure!
Henry's writing is solid, though, with that signature flow of easy-to-read but wonderfully fleshed out descriptions. I liked the tidbits about humans who help the fox escape from the hunt, and there's a good line that Cinnabar tells his cubs: "I have learned that man is a kindly animal with some affection for wild creatures, but you can never trust him completely. The moment you do, it may cost you your life."
Cinnabar feels a little bit like an experimental work for Henry; it doesn't fully land, but it does demonstrate her writing prowess and creativity. Although she's known for her horse books, she clearly had an interest in other areas, and perhaps never got to explore her imagination as much as she might've liked.
May 19, 2016
I reviewed this book for Creative Kids Magazine.
Sometimes a fox has got to have a little fun.
Cinnabar’s chance comes along with the fox hunting season. With a little promotion from his mate, Vicky, he decides to go out to give the hunters a good chase. Leaving exactly at one o’ clock, Cinnabar reassures his family he’ll be back by nightfall.
An exciting tale staring a cheery fox who made me smile and giggle over and over again, this is definitely a book I’d read many times. It’s one I’d never forget, either. With fun and excitement on every page, it was fun to join Cinnabar as he avoided the fox hunters, angry dogs, traps and many more heart-pounding dangers.
Cinnabar, the One O’ Clock Fox, was a quick read that left me satisfied. It’s perfectly fine without a sequel, just alone as a short book that’ll make anyone smile.
Sometimes a fox has got to have a little fun.
Cinnabar’s chance comes along with the fox hunting season. With a little promotion from his mate, Vicky, he decides to go out to give the hunters a good chase. Leaving exactly at one o’ clock, Cinnabar reassures his family he’ll be back by nightfall.
An exciting tale staring a cheery fox who made me smile and giggle over and over again, this is definitely a book I’d read many times. It’s one I’d never forget, either. With fun and excitement on every page, it was fun to join Cinnabar as he avoided the fox hunters, angry dogs, traps and many more heart-pounding dangers.
Cinnabar, the One O’ Clock Fox, was a quick read that left me satisfied. It’s perfectly fine without a sequel, just alone as a short book that’ll make anyone smile.
August 6, 2020
Such a fun read. My daughter raved about it and I am finding she has very good taste in books.;) It is the story of Cinnabar, who leaves his den( that includes Vicky his wife, and his four fox pups) at one o'clock to be the fox of a fox hunt led by George Washington around Mt. Vernon. Cinnabar needs a little adventure in his life and this is his fun. The story and illustrations are both charming and engaging. My daughter had showed me a favorite passage before I read it and I thought it was funny then and enjoyed it even more after reading most of the story. Spoiler alert: Cinnabar does lose a toe in the hunt. This dialogue between Vicky and Cinnabar is the passage my daughter shared.
Pg. 142-3
"Oh, come now, Vicky! Who's to miss a toe? Not I! Not I! Besides, it sent me into a very fine church, where..."
"Where you probably hid rather than repented!" Vicky laughter through tears.
"That's my girl! Cinnabar patted her head. Suddenly he yowled in mock pain. "Your tears are dreadful salty on my wound, Vicky. Please to shut them off at once."
Pg. 142-3
"Oh, come now, Vicky! Who's to miss a toe? Not I! Not I! Besides, it sent me into a very fine church, where..."
"Where you probably hid rather than repented!" Vicky laughter through tears.
"That's my girl! Cinnabar patted her head. Suddenly he yowled in mock pain. "Your tears are dreadful salty on my wound, Vicky. Please to shut them off at once."
May 21, 2025
Short, sweet, adventurous, illustratively charming, and fun in all the right places. Despite Cinnabar's cunning and arrogance getting him into more trouble than needed, seeing him frolic around in joy and determination from escaping predicaments, boasting from the thrill of the chase, and celebrating the presence and encouragement of his family made his all the more endearing as a character. In a way, I'm reminded of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH with how the animals are anthropomorphized, and how they see humans, but without and deeper ponderance of their inner nature via human experimentation.
Overall, this is a light hearted, easy read that's sure to satisfy younger readers, and lovers of animal stories generally.
Overall, this is a light hearted, easy read that's sure to satisfy younger readers, and lovers of animal stories generally.
October 6, 2025
We love Marguerite Henry's books so much! This was our fifth book by her as a family read-aloud, as we are preparing for a visit to Mount Vernon.
The animals in this book were much more anthropomorphic than the previous titles we have read (down to a kitchen and library in the fox den). Reading aloud was a bit of a challenge to keep up with the shouts and excitement of the fox hunt. 😅
Cinnabar reminded my kids a lot of the Cob from Trumpet of the Swan, and in doing so, endeared himself to us.
The animals in this book were much more anthropomorphic than the previous titles we have read (down to a kitchen and library in the fox den). Reading aloud was a bit of a challenge to keep up with the shouts and excitement of the fox hunt. 😅
Cinnabar reminded my kids a lot of the Cob from Trumpet of the Swan, and in doing so, endeared himself to us.
June 28, 2018
Loved this one!! Very entertaining! Cinnabar was a sly fox and, even though he loved his family, he still wanted adventure! My daughter found it very enjoyable too! Awesome read!!
September 1, 2025
It felt like the right time to read this as we’ve been watching neighbors attempt to catch a fox near our house using live traps.
You can’t go wrong with Marguerite Henry. Her writing is well flushed out and so enjoyable every time. Cinnabar is a lot more anthropomorphic than her horse characters and it worked well.
Based on an actual fox that George Washington had on his property at Mt. Vernon, this was a fun and quick read to peak interest about several different things for my kids.
You can’t go wrong with Marguerite Henry. Her writing is well flushed out and so enjoyable every time. Cinnabar is a lot more anthropomorphic than her horse characters and it worked well.
Based on an actual fox that George Washington had on his property at Mt. Vernon, this was a fun and quick read to peak interest about several different things for my kids.
November 11, 2016
Notes:
Cinnabar is the elusive fox being chased in a fox hunt by George Washington and friends; my kids aren't usually fans of talking animals but this book was a huge hit; illustrations are really well done; one really sad chapter with the fox getting caught in a trap and ripping off his toe to escape -- my daughter cried; great action scenes combined with sweet family moments in the den
Cinnabar is the elusive fox being chased in a fox hunt by George Washington and friends; my kids aren't usually fans of talking animals but this book was a huge hit; illustrations are really well done; one really sad chapter with the fox getting caught in a trap and ripping off his toe to escape -- my daughter cried; great action scenes combined with sweet family moments in the den
November 17, 2014
I received this book as a gift from my Mother when she returned from a School Board conference in Columbus when I was a child. I read it about 6,000 times, and that wasn't enough. Cinnabar is still beguiling after all these years, and who could resist these illustrations?
September 17, 2024
Original review: Delightful children's book! It was so fun to read out loud; it has a pleasant cadence and rich prose. No watered down language here, but enough context for children to expand their vocabularies. A great fictional add-on for an Early American unit.
Deeper review: Written fictitiously from the fox's point of view, this one is a bit out of character from the rest of Ms. Henry's books, at least the ones I've read so far. The animals talk and lead an anthropomorphic life in their den: cooking their food, having a comfortably furnished home, etc. While likely not realistic in this way either, the story goes that the fox enjoys a good chase and puts on a good run for General Washington and his hounds every year. A cute story overall. The kids really liked it.
For those with sensitive readers: Cinnabar does lose a toe in a trap and that's described pretty plainly. He gets shot at while poaching a chicken from a local farm, although it's the chicken that takes the shot rather than our lead character.
On the positive side, a lady does help Cinnabar hide from the hunters after he is injured and he needs to gather his strength for his last dash home.
Cinnabar is portrayed as a good mate to his vixen and a good father to their kits, in spite of his love for adventure and freedom. He puts great effort into helping his lady-fox raise their kits and makes sure they are all well provided for before going out for his run.
Deeper review: Written fictitiously from the fox's point of view, this one is a bit out of character from the rest of Ms. Henry's books, at least the ones I've read so far. The animals talk and lead an anthropomorphic life in their den: cooking their food, having a comfortably furnished home, etc. While likely not realistic in this way either, the story goes that the fox enjoys a good chase and puts on a good run for General Washington and his hounds every year. A cute story overall. The kids really liked it.
For those with sensitive readers: Cinnabar does lose a toe in a trap and that's described pretty plainly. He gets shot at while poaching a chicken from a local farm, although it's the chicken that takes the shot rather than our lead character.
On the positive side, a lady does help Cinnabar hide from the hunters after he is injured and he needs to gather his strength for his last dash home.
Cinnabar is portrayed as a good mate to his vixen and a good father to their kits, in spite of his love for adventure and freedom. He puts great effort into helping his lady-fox raise their kits and makes sure they are all well provided for before going out for his run.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
My local library has an autographed first library edition hardback in its stacks. When I pointed this out to the children's librarian, she couldn't care less. I don't blame her. It's a shame that of all of the books for Marguerite Henry to sign for the library, it had to be one of her worst.
This story has not held up well in the decades since it was released. It's now known that no fox enjoys being chased. Yeah, it's a silly fantasy where animals have human furniture and smoke pipes, but it clashes so much with what is now known. It's like Wilbur the pig from Charlotte's Web not giving two snorts at the prospect of being slaughtered. Kinda impacts the story a bit.
Henry had made a name for the animals in her books behaving realistically, so this venture into fantasy wound up being a clunker.
The illustrations by Wesley Dennis are incredible, even for the silliness he had to portray. That's the only reason why I gave this two stars.
This story has not held up well in the decades since it was released. It's now known that no fox enjoys being chased. Yeah, it's a silly fantasy where animals have human furniture and smoke pipes, but it clashes so much with what is now known. It's like Wilbur the pig from Charlotte's Web not giving two snorts at the prospect of being slaughtered. Kinda impacts the story a bit.
Henry had made a name for the animals in her books behaving realistically, so this venture into fantasy wound up being a clunker.
The illustrations by Wesley Dennis are incredible, even for the silliness he had to portray. That's the only reason why I gave this two stars.
June 5, 2025
This amusing book is based on a legend about a fox that led George Washington and his fellow hunters on many a merry chase. Cinnabar is a wily one who regards the fox hunt as a game as he leads the hounds and horsemen over hill and dale, and plays a series of tricks on them. The hounds get into a tangle, the horses end up exhausted and Cinnabar has the time of his life.
Henry wrote the book back in the 1950s but it still holds up, such is the power of her flowing style. The charming illustrations are by her frequent collaborator, Wesley Dennis whose wife, Dorothy originally told them the story of George Washington and his favourite fox rival. The resulting book is indeed a merry tale about a wild chase.
Henry wrote the book back in the 1950s but it still holds up, such is the power of her flowing style. The charming illustrations are by her frequent collaborator, Wesley Dennis whose wife, Dorothy originally told them the story of George Washington and his favourite fox rival. The resulting book is indeed a merry tale about a wild chase.
June 7, 2022
From the author of the beloved Misty of Chincoteague, is another children's storybook about Virginia.
Marguerite Henry states in the opening pages of Cinnabar that this story is based on an old legend. As utterly charming as the Chincoteague story of Misty, the setting is now further north at Mount Vernon near Alexandria.
This time the story is told from the perspective of a clever fox who outsmarts the renown fox himself, George Washington. 18th century fox hunting was common, even at Mount Vernon!
While writing this book, Henry's research included keeping some foxes at her home to observe their habits and characteristics. Again, the secret to charm...research and a gift of words!
Marguerite Henry states in the opening pages of Cinnabar that this story is based on an old legend. As utterly charming as the Chincoteague story of Misty, the setting is now further north at Mount Vernon near Alexandria.
This time the story is told from the perspective of a clever fox who outsmarts the renown fox himself, George Washington. 18th century fox hunting was common, even at Mount Vernon!
While writing this book, Henry's research included keeping some foxes at her home to observe their habits and characteristics. Again, the secret to charm...research and a gift of words!
February 7, 2020
Cinnabar was a strange little pleasure of a book. The writing is top-notch, and not the least bit childish. There were lots of new words for me daughter to learn, and they were used naturally and beautifully—as they ought to be. The story itself is a bit on the bizarre side: a fox that loves to be hunted goes out to enjoy a day of the hound chase led by George Washington. The foxes are anthropomorphized in a sort of Peter Rabbit fashion, with songs and poems to boot. I enjoyed the book quite a bit, and I can't think of a fault if you simply accept it for the odd idyll that it is.
June 20, 2021
beautiful, wonderful art. the book starts w/an intro by Henry talking about her caged foxes, then goes to the story describing in great detail the hunting by the title character and finally George Washington hunting the fox. i stopped reading before George showed up. for my reading a v. ugly book, but to someone who enjoys hunting small animals and hiding behind a gun and hound dogs this might make them really horny. spoiler alert, w/out having read the book past p 30, i'm guessing the fox gets away.
June 16, 2023
I think this is a cute book. In my opinion I would have enjoyed it better if I read it when I was younger.
Cinnabar is a new father and wild, mischievous and brave. He’s one of the only foxes that go on fox hunts. He’s getting restless of staying at home watching his cubs; Rascal and Pascal, Merry and Mischief. His loyal wife, Vicky, surprises him by saying he should go on a hunt and have fun. Cinnabar happily scampered off to lose a toe, pride and realize what really matters.
This is a book I recommend.
Cinnabar is a new father and wild, mischievous and brave. He’s one of the only foxes that go on fox hunts. He’s getting restless of staying at home watching his cubs; Rascal and Pascal, Merry and Mischief. His loyal wife, Vicky, surprises him by saying he should go on a hunt and have fun. Cinnabar happily scampered off to lose a toe, pride and realize what really matters.
This is a book I recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
Initially, my children and I were very captivated with this cheeky fox who was determined to outwit his hunter, George Washington. However, as the story progressed it really just became redundant. The fox was very full of himself, we felt certain that at some point he might be humbled and learn his lesson, but instead he just continued to outsmart the hunters time and time again. While he did run into hurdles and challenges along the way, it never seemed to humble him. By the end of the book we were exhausted over chasing this fox and very glad the book was over.
March 30, 2019
Oh my goodness, this book was so much fun!!
Cinnabar is a fox and is the head of the household. He needs to provide for his wife Vicky and his 4 pups. He loves to go on the hunt, or at least enjoys running for his life being chased on the hunt, specifically by General George Washington. This story is really cute and my sons had so much fun listening to me read it to them. I dare say I had a splendid time reading it and wanted to just read it all in one day, but I didn't! haha.
Cinnabar is a fox and is the head of the household. He needs to provide for his wife Vicky and his 4 pups. He loves to go on the hunt, or at least enjoys running for his life being chased on the hunt, specifically by General George Washington. This story is really cute and my sons had so much fun listening to me read it to them. I dare say I had a splendid time reading it and wanted to just read it all in one day, but I didn't! haha.
August 4, 2018
It's a short story but very engrossing! I've read many other books by Marguerite Henry and this one was just a good as the rest. It's told in this unique voice that both keeps you reading and sucks you into the story. It's not a complex story, perfectly acceptable for kids and still engaged my attention. I definitely recommend it.
November 20, 2018
What a sweet book! I admit I read this one out of curiosity for myself. It reminded me of the types of stories I would read when I was a child living in England and attending the local primary school there. It has the same woodland creature feel that I grew up loving in Wind in the Willows and Beatrix Potter's books.
January 21, 2019
3* A fun little story about a fox, with some true history of George Washington and his fox hunts mixed in. Apparently this actual fox was a clever little guy, evading the men and hounds time after time. Recommend for children ages 6-10.
October 6, 2020
Brian Doyle wrote that when he read Cinnabar age at 9 he was confident it "was the greatest book I had ever read, a greater book than I had known was possible to read." I can see why. This story is pure delight.
March 15, 2021
The story of a fox who participates in a hunt led by George Washington - the fox is the prey. It was ok. We read it aloud and it’s pretty short and quick to read and fun to read a story set around George Washington that ps not actually about it but I wouldn’t call the book one of her better ones.
July 7, 2022
Enjoyable read aloud. We have a favorite song ‘fox went out on a chilly night’ that has been sung to the kids since birth and I think their familiarity with fox through that song helped catch their interest in this book from the start.
June 16, 2024
A quick evening read. The story is based on a tale of a punctual fox that George Washington chased but written from the fox's viewpoint. It was humorous but sometimes a bit over dramatic. I appreciated the included map, and my 8yo enjoyed reading it as well.
September 20, 2017
Cute book, but not as good as some of Marguerite Henry's other novels.
May 5, 2019
The children loved this book.
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