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The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole
As autumn draws in, two very different friends read a slightly spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (eeek!) and Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them).
Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform...
This wry, gothic-inspired tale will thrill older picture-book readers and encourage them to explore the need for give and take, appreciation and honesty in friendships.
Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform...
This wry, gothic-inspired tale will thrill older picture-book readers and encourage them to explore the need for give and take, appreciation and honesty in friendships.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 6, 2025
Ode to the trembling leaf that scurries from the tree, scary stories have a space in each of our lives. For the young reader, one who, much like me, has a tingling curiosity for the morbid & scuttled darkness of stories, this book will represent much of what is beautiful in the darkness of gentle terror.
Important to note, however, for the guardian of such a reader, is that this book is not a terrifying ghoul of a tale. Readers with a more sensitive temperament might like the leaf & scurry to hide under their bedsheets. A tender moment spent dissecting their feelings might set this fear at ease.
What makes this story so memorable to me as a gravely matured adult reader is its simplicity in transmitting the weight of such a feeling, as is fear, through easy-flowing sentences & immeasurably vivid illustrations. While reading about the little Fox & little Mole who spend their time each prioritizing something different, I was immersed in the reality of their lives.
The author presents readers with a traditional ghost story, one that is after all, not a ghost story but is a tale of how the ghost of the emotions we do not address possess us when we neglect them.
Such is what happens with Fox. His dear friend the Mole has forgotten his birthday & eaten all his cookies & treats—things that Fox spent all summer & spring preparing for the eventual autumn & winter. Fox’s feelings are hurt; he feels that his friend is not someone who cares about him but is simply a visitor in his home to use him for the food he has prepared & the warm hearth where stories are read.
A reader cannot help but understand where Fox is coming from. Mole does not take time to invest in the life of his friend, indeed he arrives wanting things from Fox without ever offering anything in return, not even a word of thanks.
Mirroring the scary story that Fox tells Mole during one of their evening visits, Fox becomes enraged & gobbled up by his feelings—his hurt overpowers him & readers will note the illustrations reflect the baseline form of their nightmares, a rabid angered fox out for a feast.
Mole hardly notices a change in his friend until he is in the house eating all of Mole’s food & stomping his feet over the hearth. This is when Mole understands that something has happened to transform his dear friend into a different version of himself.
What readers will come to understand in this book is the value of speaking about our feelings. Of course, Fox was hurt by his friend’s laissez-faire attitude but he never said so & therefore his feelings festered & he became angry & deeply hurt.
Of course, Mole did not mean to forget his friend’s birthday but he did not take precautions to ensure that it was marked in the calendar nor did he invite his friend over to share the load, therefore he needed to acknowledge this & apologize.
Ultimately, I found myself so utterly appreciative of the tone of this book & the amazingly fluid illustrations that I found myself wanting to experience it again as though for the first time.
The essence of this book is intentionally crafted & I feel that readers who share a curious enthusiasm for the intricate & important aspects of life will find in this book a story that will stick with them for years to come. I applaud the author & illustrator who set out a course to rave the ghoulish horror of those gentle autumn nights with the quaint scary stories we have grown familiar with throughout our lives. What a joy to meet them here in his format, all these years later, wrapped tenderly in a valuable message for us all.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Floris Books, & Cecilia Heikkila for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Important to note, however, for the guardian of such a reader, is that this book is not a terrifying ghoul of a tale. Readers with a more sensitive temperament might like the leaf & scurry to hide under their bedsheets. A tender moment spent dissecting their feelings might set this fear at ease.
What makes this story so memorable to me as a gravely matured adult reader is its simplicity in transmitting the weight of such a feeling, as is fear, through easy-flowing sentences & immeasurably vivid illustrations. While reading about the little Fox & little Mole who spend their time each prioritizing something different, I was immersed in the reality of their lives.
The author presents readers with a traditional ghost story, one that is after all, not a ghost story but is a tale of how the ghost of the emotions we do not address possess us when we neglect them.
Such is what happens with Fox. His dear friend the Mole has forgotten his birthday & eaten all his cookies & treats—things that Fox spent all summer & spring preparing for the eventual autumn & winter. Fox’s feelings are hurt; he feels that his friend is not someone who cares about him but is simply a visitor in his home to use him for the food he has prepared & the warm hearth where stories are read.
A reader cannot help but understand where Fox is coming from. Mole does not take time to invest in the life of his friend, indeed he arrives wanting things from Fox without ever offering anything in return, not even a word of thanks.
Mirroring the scary story that Fox tells Mole during one of their evening visits, Fox becomes enraged & gobbled up by his feelings—his hurt overpowers him & readers will note the illustrations reflect the baseline form of their nightmares, a rabid angered fox out for a feast.
Mole hardly notices a change in his friend until he is in the house eating all of Mole’s food & stomping his feet over the hearth. This is when Mole understands that something has happened to transform his dear friend into a different version of himself.
What readers will come to understand in this book is the value of speaking about our feelings. Of course, Fox was hurt by his friend’s laissez-faire attitude but he never said so & therefore his feelings festered & he became angry & deeply hurt.
Of course, Mole did not mean to forget his friend’s birthday but he did not take precautions to ensure that it was marked in the calendar nor did he invite his friend over to share the load, therefore he needed to acknowledge this & apologize.
Ultimately, I found myself so utterly appreciative of the tone of this book & the amazingly fluid illustrations that I found myself wanting to experience it again as though for the first time.
The essence of this book is intentionally crafted & I feel that readers who share a curious enthusiasm for the intricate & important aspects of life will find in this book a story that will stick with them for years to come. I applaud the author & illustrator who set out a course to rave the ghoulish horror of those gentle autumn nights with the quaint scary stories we have grown familiar with throughout our lives. What a joy to meet them here in his format, all these years later, wrapped tenderly in a valuable message for us all.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Floris Books, & Cecilia Heikkila for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 22, 2025
Friends and neighbors, Fox and Mole live next door to one another, in houses built on a windswept headland. Busy all summer making cookies and preserves, Fox looks forward to autumn, when he and Mole like to read spooky stories together in the evenings, and enjoy a treat. But as Mole's inconsiderate behavior—hogging all the cookies and jam, constantly interrupting, making a mess in Fox's house—continues over many nights, our vulpine hero begins to become impatient, feeling resentful and lonely. When Mole forgets his birthday, Fox begins to turn into the very scuffling monster he and his talpine friend had been reading about. Can Mole make things right, or will the monster he's unleashed consume him...?
Originally published in Sweden as Räven och mullvaden : en spökhistoria, and translated into English by Polly Lawson for the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, which also published author/illustrator Cecilia Heikkilä's Finding the Way to Faraway Valley , this delightfully atmospheric picture book provides a wonderfully engrossing read for the autumn and/or Halloween season. The story itself is involving, opening in a charming and heartwarming way with summer fun and friendship, and then slowly moving into darker themes as autumn progresses. I loved the fact that communal reading and storytelling is the activity around which Heikkilä spins her narrative in The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole, and that the events which overtake our vulpine and talpine duo mirror the story they're reading. I also loved the way in which emotion is dealt with in the narrative, as Fox's transformation is caused, not just by anger or resentment at Mole's bad behavior, but by the hurt and loneliness caused by feeling neglected and forgotten. The artwork here, created using watercolor, gouache, and pastels, with some digital elements, is gorgeous! Whether sunny or spooky, is is very appealing, with a gorgeous color palette, and subtly expressive scenes, I think this could be a little too spooky for very young or sensitive children, so adult caregivers should bear that in mind, but with that proviso, I would recommend this one to picture books audiences who enjoy scary stories.
Originally published in Sweden as Räven och mullvaden : en spökhistoria, and translated into English by Polly Lawson for the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, which also published author/illustrator Cecilia Heikkilä's Finding the Way to Faraway Valley , this delightfully atmospheric picture book provides a wonderfully engrossing read for the autumn and/or Halloween season. The story itself is involving, opening in a charming and heartwarming way with summer fun and friendship, and then slowly moving into darker themes as autumn progresses. I loved the fact that communal reading and storytelling is the activity around which Heikkilä spins her narrative in The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole, and that the events which overtake our vulpine and talpine duo mirror the story they're reading. I also loved the way in which emotion is dealt with in the narrative, as Fox's transformation is caused, not just by anger or resentment at Mole's bad behavior, but by the hurt and loneliness caused by feeling neglected and forgotten. The artwork here, created using watercolor, gouache, and pastels, with some digital elements, is gorgeous! Whether sunny or spooky, is is very appealing, with a gorgeous color palette, and subtly expressive scenes, I think this could be a little too spooky for very young or sensitive children, so adult caregivers should bear that in mind, but with that proviso, I would recommend this one to picture books audiences who enjoy scary stories.
September 19, 2025
"Do you think that scuffling monsters really exist"?
"Yes, because stories about scuffling monsters really exist".
This is one of the prettiest and most intriguing kid books I've ever read. Absolutely perfect for spooky season.
"Yes, because stories about scuffling monsters really exist".
This is one of the prettiest and most intriguing kid books I've ever read. Absolutely perfect for spooky season.
November 14, 2024
Finns en anledning att Cecilia Heikkilä är en av mina favorit bilderbok illustratörer & författare- hon når på djupet i känslor som alla kan kännas vid, barn som vuxen. Kan inte nog rekommenderas!
August 26, 2024
Enligt mig är Cecilia Heikkilä en av våra allra bästa barnboksillustratörer. Hon trollar fram stämningen i bilderna genom att använda färgernas språk och där färgtonerna får avgöra hur texten kan tolkas.
Här är färgskalan dämpad och "höstig", med mycket brunt, marinblått och beige, men också färgklickar av lila och rött, vilket bidrar till den spöklika känslan. De dova tonerna symboliserar också den ensamhet och sorg som räven känner. Berättelsen börjar soligt och glatt för att sedan sakta övergå till sorg och ilska, men som tur är slutar ju allt bra ...
Här är färgskalan dämpad och "höstig", med mycket brunt, marinblått och beige, men också färgklickar av lila och rött, vilket bidrar till den spöklika känslan. De dova tonerna symboliserar också den ensamhet och sorg som räven känner. Berättelsen börjar soligt och glatt för att sedan sakta övergå till sorg och ilska, men som tur är slutar ju allt bra ...
October 6, 2024
Le renard et la taupe est l'album automnal par excellence. Avec son univers sombre il convient également pour une lecture d'Halloween.
Attention toutefois, il peut se révéler effrayant pour les plus jeunes lecteurs...
Une histoire un brin horrifique qui met en avant de belles valeurs de partage et d'amitié.
Les illustrations sont magnifiques et confèrent au récit un aspect chaleureux ou gothique selon les scènes.
Une superbe découverte.
Attention toutefois, il peut se révéler effrayant pour les plus jeunes lecteurs...
Une histoire un brin horrifique qui met en avant de belles valeurs de partage et d'amitié.
Les illustrations sont magnifiques et confèrent au récit un aspect chaleureux ou gothique selon les scènes.
Une superbe découverte.
August 27, 2025
Excellent!! Atmospheric, both cozy and chilling all at once... in other words, the perfect Fall read 🦊🍂😱🍪
July 5, 2025
Coup de cœur ❤️
September 4, 2024
(3.5)
April 7, 2025
Une lecture absolument parfaite pour l’automne 🍁🍂
February 15, 2025
I received a review copy of this book from Floris Books via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Beautifully illustrated with an autumn palette, Swedish author Cecelia Heikkila’s The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole (2025) is about friendship and the dynamics between friends which can be sensitive, about being attentive to one’s duties even if one has fun, and also about the seasons, specifically autumn, just the time to be sitting by the fireside and enjoying a spooky story which is just what our friends in this story do; but what when that story starts to come true?
Fox and Mole are neighbours, their houses sharing a wall. Summer sees numerous people visit their town with kite flying and plenty of lively activity—something in which Mole happily partakes while Fox spends his time baking cookies and making jam, not only to offer the visitor but also in preparation for the tougher seasons. As autumn dawns and all the visitors leave, Fox and Mole have each other’s company to enjoy but this usually plays out in Mole visiting Fox’s home, and untidily snacking on cookies and jam while Fox reads aloud from a book to entertain them both, hinting fruitlessly to Mole to be a little neater. Some of these evenings are spent reading the story of the Scuffling Monster, a little too scary for them such that Fox closes the book shuddering, what happens next not revealed even to the reader!
Fox doesn’t seem to mind this arrangement even if Mole isn’t the most considerate or courteous of guests, but his kindness and tolerance are pushed to the limits when Mole forgets his birthday, and Fox let alone receiving a gift or even greeting, finds Mole expecting him to show him the hospitality he usually does! What happens next? Well that you’ll have to read to find out but as I hinted earlier, it involves something of the monster story starting to come true.
This is a cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it, nicely woven in with the friendship and dynamics between Fox and Mole. Even the intended readers (kids above age 6) won’t find this necessarily a scary story but one with just a hint of that element. The focus of the story though is the friendship and how that is tested and the conflict resolved, in which kindness, understanding and acknowledging one’s mistakes plays a role.
One reason I chose to read this book was the artwork and that I really loved. The images bring out the jolly and lively summer environment, can get one feeling the autumn winds as also the comfort of reading (and snacking by the fireside). It is in the illustrations that the spooky element of the story comes through very strongly as a dark shadow enters and takes over; if one focuses on those elements alone, they can be scary indeed. But just the same, the show disperses too, warmth and normalcy reentering their lives.
An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!
4.5 stars
for some of the illustrations, have a look at my blog: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...
Beautifully illustrated with an autumn palette, Swedish author Cecelia Heikkila’s The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole (2025) is about friendship and the dynamics between friends which can be sensitive, about being attentive to one’s duties even if one has fun, and also about the seasons, specifically autumn, just the time to be sitting by the fireside and enjoying a spooky story which is just what our friends in this story do; but what when that story starts to come true?
Fox and Mole are neighbours, their houses sharing a wall. Summer sees numerous people visit their town with kite flying and plenty of lively activity—something in which Mole happily partakes while Fox spends his time baking cookies and making jam, not only to offer the visitor but also in preparation for the tougher seasons. As autumn dawns and all the visitors leave, Fox and Mole have each other’s company to enjoy but this usually plays out in Mole visiting Fox’s home, and untidily snacking on cookies and jam while Fox reads aloud from a book to entertain them both, hinting fruitlessly to Mole to be a little neater. Some of these evenings are spent reading the story of the Scuffling Monster, a little too scary for them such that Fox closes the book shuddering, what happens next not revealed even to the reader!
Fox doesn’t seem to mind this arrangement even if Mole isn’t the most considerate or courteous of guests, but his kindness and tolerance are pushed to the limits when Mole forgets his birthday, and Fox let alone receiving a gift or even greeting, finds Mole expecting him to show him the hospitality he usually does! What happens next? Well that you’ll have to read to find out but as I hinted earlier, it involves something of the monster story starting to come true.
This is a cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it, nicely woven in with the friendship and dynamics between Fox and Mole. Even the intended readers (kids above age 6) won’t find this necessarily a scary story but one with just a hint of that element. The focus of the story though is the friendship and how that is tested and the conflict resolved, in which kindness, understanding and acknowledging one’s mistakes plays a role.
One reason I chose to read this book was the artwork and that I really loved. The images bring out the jolly and lively summer environment, can get one feeling the autumn winds as also the comfort of reading (and snacking by the fireside). It is in the illustrations that the spooky element of the story comes through very strongly as a dark shadow enters and takes over; if one focuses on those elements alone, they can be scary indeed. But just the same, the show disperses too, warmth and normalcy reentering their lives.
An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!
4.5 stars
for some of the illustrations, have a look at my blog: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...
August 8, 2025
Fox and Mole are the best of friends. In the summer, their neighborhood is filled with joy and laughter as folks come from all around to enjoy the season. As the weather begins to cool, however, the two companions find themselves turning inside to savor snacks and spooky tales before a warm fire. But when one of Fox’s stories becomes a little more real than they anticipate, both Fox and Mole learn important lessons about friendship and honesty that will help make the rest of the season brighter. This thoughtful, gothic-style picture book is written with older picture book readers in mind. Not only is the text relatively long, but the spooky nature and overall complexity of the storytelling require a certain level of maturity from readers. The plot alternates between the narrative describing Fox’s and Mole’s lives and the text of the spooky story Fox is reading aloud to Mole. Printed versus italic fonts help to differentiate between the two storylines in a visual way, and readers can use this design to guide their voicing of the book when reading it aloud. Anthropomorphic animals are the focus of the illustrations, and each image includes a plethora of intriguing details. Additionally, just the right amount of spookiness occurs in the book–in both the text and the illustrations–to heighten readers’ emotions, and by the end of the narrative, readers will begin to see spooky stories in a new light. Built upon friendship and the importance of appropriately managing big feelings, this story does a good job of blending an engaging tale with a moral lesson. This is a unique addition to picture book collections for early elementary school-aged readers.
August 2, 2025
Thanks to Publisher Spotlight for the review copy of this book.
This book should serve as a cautionary tale for those kids who never reciprocate a kindness...
Fox and Mole are next door neighbors. In the summer, Mole enjoys playing outside with his friends, while Fox is inside preparing foods for visitors. When the Fall arrives, Mole offers to visit Fox in order to hear him read stories (which he often interrupts) and enjoy the tea and cookies Fox has prepared. This happens every night until Fox realizes he has no food left in his cupboard. A strange transformation comes over Fox and he goes over to ask the same of Mole - to eat his food and ...
(Note: Spoilers below!)
Heikkilä's book is not for the light-hearted. There is a darkness in it reminds me of the Brothers Grimm. Fox's transformation into the scuffling monster is quick and dramatic. His large, round, yellow eyes on the two-page spread are startling and might be a bit too frightening for the light-hearted child. Quick-thinking Mole comes up with the perfect solution to his problem...
Heikkilä created the illustrations using watercolor, gouache, pastels, and digital methods. It has an "old-world" feeling to it - filled with browns, greens, and grays. Very attractive and support the ominous story delightfully.
Great readaloud for those looking for a story that starts out as ominous, turns threatening, and returns to normalcy. Recommended for K-grade 3.
This book should serve as a cautionary tale for those kids who never reciprocate a kindness...
Fox and Mole are next door neighbors. In the summer, Mole enjoys playing outside with his friends, while Fox is inside preparing foods for visitors. When the Fall arrives, Mole offers to visit Fox in order to hear him read stories (which he often interrupts) and enjoy the tea and cookies Fox has prepared. This happens every night until Fox realizes he has no food left in his cupboard. A strange transformation comes over Fox and he goes over to ask the same of Mole - to eat his food and ...
(Note: Spoilers below!)
Heikkilä's book is not for the light-hearted. There is a darkness in it reminds me of the Brothers Grimm. Fox's transformation into the scuffling monster is quick and dramatic. His large, round, yellow eyes on the two-page spread are startling and might be a bit too frightening for the light-hearted child. Quick-thinking Mole comes up with the perfect solution to his problem...
Heikkilä created the illustrations using watercolor, gouache, pastels, and digital methods. It has an "old-world" feeling to it - filled with browns, greens, and grays. Very attractive and support the ominous story delightfully.
Great readaloud for those looking for a story that starts out as ominous, turns threatening, and returns to normalcy. Recommended for K-grade 3.
May 8, 2025
Despite my advanced age, there's still something about a spooky story that sends delicious tingles up and down my spine and raises goosebumps on my arms. Maybe it's because I prefer my frightening experiences to be vicarious rather than in real time, but I've always loved stories such as this one with its nifty twist and growing tension. The plot concerns two good friends--Fox and Mole--who live in houses that share a wall. They spend autumn evenings reading, and during this particular time, it's a scary story that Fox is sharing with Mole. While readers probably expect a tender story of friendship, over the course of this story, they will realize that Mole is actually rather inconsiderate and selfish, interrupting Fox's reading, sitting in the best chair, and casually dropping cookie crumbs everywhere. Fox's resentment of his friend's treatment toward him is palpable, steadily growing with each page until he gets his revenge in a very apt but spooky fashion. There's a lesson here for everyone, supported in fine fashion by the riveting, scary illustrations, created with watercolors, gouache, pastels, and digital methods. This is a good choice for a dark, bitter night spent indoors.
September 25, 2025
This book definitely has a gothic flair to it - and it is also a bit fable-ish. Possibly better suited for older readers as it is, after all, slightly spooky. But each reader has a different level of spooky tolerance.
Fox and Mole live right next to each other. Fox is very organized, neat and tidy, and very prepared. Fox also has books - and tells wonderfully spooky stories. And then there's Mole. I think readers will admit that Mole takes advantage of Fox. Just a bit. And insists that Fox do all of the hosting. Until Fox just can't take it anymore.
Fox is right. Mole is definitely more carefree and rather greedy and rude.
But - and this is important - Fox could have said something about feeling angry and hurt instead of letting it build inside until it turns him into a bit of a monster.
My favorite part is where Mole asks Fox if Scuffling Monsters really exist and Fox says, "Yes because stories about scuffling monsters really exist."
older readers because it is a bit spooky...
Fox and Mole live right next to each other. Fox is very organized, neat and tidy, and very prepared. Fox also has books - and tells wonderfully spooky stories. And then there's Mole. I think readers will admit that Mole takes advantage of Fox. Just a bit. And insists that Fox do all of the hosting. Until Fox just can't take it anymore.
Fox is right. Mole is definitely more carefree and rather greedy and rude.
But - and this is important - Fox could have said something about feeling angry and hurt instead of letting it build inside until it turns him into a bit of a monster.
My favorite part is where Mole asks Fox if Scuffling Monsters really exist and Fox says, "Yes because stories about scuffling monsters really exist."
older readers because it is a bit spooky...
November 15, 2025
I have been searching for books that portray foxes in a positive light. In this book, the fox does become a bit of a "monster" like a were-fox, but it is because he feels deeply hurt by his friend and that hurt turned to anger... So, I don't think it is portraying foxes as bad guys, but reminding us that we all have a bit of a "monster" inside of us if we let certain emotions get the best of us. As an adult, I think the story is "scariest" because of that element, but I imagine many children will find the illustrations frightening and I do recommend previewing if you have sensitive youngsters. The illustrations are absolutely outstanding and provide clues as to what is happening in fox's mind and heart but they are definitely creepier than I anticipated based on the sweet cover art! Despite the spooky midsection, I found the ending satisfying with both fox and mole learning a valuable lesson about friendship and awareness of how your action affect others, and overall the book walks the line between cozy and spooky.
December 12, 2024
So... everything happened over cookies? Or was it because his best friend forgot his birthday? Maybe it was over the crumbs. Or maybe, it was because his friend only came over to eat his food 🤷🏽♀️. I'm pretty sure this book is about being hangry. But maybe also about feeling unappreciated. Maybe...
At least the illustrations were beautiful. I think the inside cover said it was watercolor.
Mole reminds me of how little kids act when you're trying to read to them.
A children's book with chapters 🤔. Considering how the story is structured, this would be great book for 2nd graders, maybe 1st graders with a higher reading level.
Oh, and I think this is a translated children's book.
3.5 rounded down
thank you edelweiss & Consortium for the arc
At least the illustrations were beautiful. I think the inside cover said it was watercolor.
Mole reminds me of how little kids act when you're trying to read to them.
A children's book with chapters 🤔. Considering how the story is structured, this would be great book for 2nd graders, maybe 1st graders with a higher reading level.
Oh, and I think this is a translated children's book.
3.5 rounded down
thank you edelweiss & Consortium for the arc
September 1, 2025
This slightly spooky tale has just the right amount of spookiness. The art evokes fall with its gusty breezes scattering golden leaves and prepares you for what becomes the spooky story about the lopsided friendship of Fox and Mole—a friendship that nearly goes awry. Mole visits Fox, enjoys Fox’s tea and cookies, and is entertained by a story that Fox reads to him. Mole never reciprocates. But one night the story of a monster raccoon is too scary and Fox stops reading. What does he see in the raccoon that scares him? What does he discover in his own scary experience? This story offers much for young readers to ponder about fairness and anger. Some will even wonder when we will find out how the story of the raccoon monster ends. To be continued?
September 20, 2025
Mole is a little selfish, eating all of fox's jam and cookies and insisting on a story each night, then never inviting fox over (their houses share a wall). When fox has finally had enough, he begins to transform into the scratching, scuffling monster that he has been telling mole about in his stories, and mole has to figure out how to get out of this situation. A slightly scary but ultimately nice story about friendship, with lots of cozy elements of autumn included. Fun for early readers and they will probably especially enjoy the story within a story. The illustrations are delightful, full of natural elements and wonder, done in watercolour, gouache, and pastels and using digital methods.
September 22, 2025
Fox and Mole are next door neighbors. They're also friends who pass the long dark coming-of-winter evenings together sharing treats and good conversation. Their friendship is a little lopsided however, as they ALWAYS meet at Fox's house, and ALWAYS eat Fox's goodies. The tale does indeed become slightly spooky when Fox's ire at being treated so unfairly causes him to transform into an unrecognizable beast.
The author's illustrations are just beautiful, and the book makes for a perfect welcome to the autumn season.
The author's illustrations are just beautiful, and the book makes for a perfect welcome to the autumn season.
November 13, 2025
Cute and sweet and eminently relatable - Fox is a very generous friend, sharing his provisions and library and time while Mole is an unselfconscious friend to whom it doesn't occur to reciprocate. When the inevitable eruption comes, Mole is remorseful and immediately makes amends while also expressing his wish that Fox had spoken up about his feelings sooner. The characters are endearing and the mood cozy in the autumnal atmosphere.
As one reads, one begins to resent how Mole takes advantage of Fox's giving nature. But one also questions why fox waits until his breaking point before addressing what is bothering him. The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole is a cozy look at navigating relationships with care and with honesty.
As one reads, one begins to resent how Mole takes advantage of Fox's giving nature. But one also questions why fox waits until his breaking point before addressing what is bothering him. The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole is a cozy look at navigating relationships with care and with honesty.
July 25, 2025
A gorgeously design book about a friendship between a fox and a mole who enjoy cookies and stories together. Only, there's a slight problem. Mole comes over to Fox's house and eats his cookies and jam, and listens to Fox's stories, but doesn't save any or share any with Fox.
Fox after being forgotten on his birthday, turns into a scuffling monster and barges into Mole's house. Mole's quick thinking, and apologies, allow Fox to calm down and heal the friendship.
Definitely a little creepy, the artwork adds SO MUCH to this story. Worth picking up and sharing with the little one in your life who enjoys a good scare.
Copy provided by publisher and Edelweiss.
Fox after being forgotten on his birthday, turns into a scuffling monster and barges into Mole's house. Mole's quick thinking, and apologies, allow Fox to calm down and heal the friendship.
Definitely a little creepy, the artwork adds SO MUCH to this story. Worth picking up and sharing with the little one in your life who enjoys a good scare.
Copy provided by publisher and Edelweiss.
August 2, 2025
Thank you to Floris Books and Edelweiss for the eGalley to review!
My, what an excellent story for the spooky season! We have gorgeous art and a folktale-esque story of two friends welcoming the autumn together. But one of these friends has been selfish and when he forgets the other's birthday, he certainly will never be selfish and forgetful again after the spooky story they were reading together comes true....
I really loved the atmosphere and the story within the story and the moral to be learned here--I daresay this is one of my new favorites of recent picture books for the Halloween season. I'm absolutely recommending this one and getting myself a copy!
My, what an excellent story for the spooky season! We have gorgeous art and a folktale-esque story of two friends welcoming the autumn together. But one of these friends has been selfish and when he forgets the other's birthday, he certainly will never be selfish and forgetful again after the spooky story they were reading together comes true....
I really loved the atmosphere and the story within the story and the moral to be learned here--I daresay this is one of my new favorites of recent picture books for the Halloween season. I'm absolutely recommending this one and getting myself a copy!
October 20, 2025
Un album magnifique qui souligne l’importance de mettre ses limites en amitié et de savoir partager, sans se laisser envahir.
Les illustrations sont superbes, riches et enveloppantes, dans des couleurs d’automne. Ce qui nous plongent tout de suite dans l’ambiance de la saison. 🍂🧡
L’histoire a une petite touche de mystère. Juste ce qu’il faut pour donner quelques frissons, parfaits pour la période de l’Halloween. ( Les plus jeunes pourraient d’ailleurs le trouver un peu effrayant... Je conseil 8ans et +).
Un livre à lire blotti sous une couverture, avec une lumière tamisée et un chocolat chaud à la main.
Les illustrations sont superbes, riches et enveloppantes, dans des couleurs d’automne. Ce qui nous plongent tout de suite dans l’ambiance de la saison. 🍂🧡
L’histoire a une petite touche de mystère. Juste ce qu’il faut pour donner quelques frissons, parfaits pour la période de l’Halloween. ( Les plus jeunes pourraient d’ailleurs le trouver un peu effrayant... Je conseil 8ans et +).
Un livre à lire blotti sous une couverture, avec une lumière tamisée et un chocolat chaud à la main.
August 12, 2025
Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing. As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform. Can Mole recognize what's wrong and fix things before it's too late?" --
December 2, 2025
This is such a fabulous story! Cecilia has a wonderful illustration style with a subtle, highly effective colour palette. In this longer picture book, told over 4 short chapters, the child reader journey's with Fox and Mole as Fox becomes increasingly cross with his neighbour and friend, Mole who is prone to being rather self centred. With a deliciously gothic, slightly scary storyline, children learn about how important it is not to take friends for granted and to give as well as take. It's a fabulous book and I highly recommend.
May 16, 2025
With an eerie design, this picture book taps into The Brother’s Grimm vibes as Fox learns that holding in your feelings can have some negative consequences while Mole finds out that there is such a thing as a “bad” friend; and that maybe he’s it.
Helps to show kids that not dealing with their emotions can be very dangerous to ourselves, and those we hold dear. It also shows that being aware of our friends, and the subtle changes in them, may be something more than simply not feeling good.
Helps to show kids that not dealing with their emotions can be very dangerous to ourselves, and those we hold dear. It also shows that being aware of our friends, and the subtle changes in them, may be something more than simply not feeling good.
July 28, 2025
This friendship book follows a fox as their frustrations grow, transforming them into a rancid beast with dragging claws, glowing eyes, and a thorny heart. With an autumn-inspired color palette, the artwork turns dark and gothic as the fox morphs into an emotional, scuffling monster. With themes of appreciation and honesty, this book can start meaningful conversations about the unspoken rules of friendship.
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this book with us.
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this book with us.
September 14, 2025
A spooky monster tale set in the autumn months. Mole likes to go to Fox's house in the autumn evenings. Fox reads a story. Mole interrupts frequently and eats all of Fox's food. Fox grows resentful. It's really a story about friendship, not taking someone for granted, setting boundaries and communicating. The illustrations are so good that the seasons of summer and winter are experienced on a visceral level.
September 30, 2025
The Slightly Spooky Tale Of Fox and Mole by @840130 is an eerie, unexpected, engaging, and old-fashioned read! There is something about this book that reminds me of old fairytales and the original spooky stories that we all know as classics. It features two friends and the unexpected changes that occur when the kindness of friendship is taken advantage of. This book features a birthday celebration and is a great read for spooky season!
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