Fox Under the Moon: Seasons of Comfort and Hope

by Stacey McNeill

In a wintry woodland, in the dark of night, a young fox talks to the wise old moon about the things that really matter. Their conversation continues through the

Winter - The season of rest and reflection
Spring - The season of hope and new beginnings
Summer - The season of love and abundance
Autumn - The season of change and letting go


How can we embrace the rest of winter while we wait for the hope of spring? When times are summery, how do we learn to love ourselves, and how can we show those around us how much we love them? And in autumn, how do we learn to handle change, and let go. In short, how can we navigate a world that is as uncertain as it is beautiful?


These words and illustrations will bring the gift of hope and comfort to anyone who needs it.

Genres: Self Help, Fiction, Animals, Poetry, Graphic Novels, Nature, Inspirational

208 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Tala🦈 (mrs.skywalker.reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

ładna, spokojna książka o przyjaźni, nadziei i cyklach życia — czyli o wszystkim i o niczym. ilustracje naprawdę piękne, można by je powiesić na ścianie, ale teksty to czysta afirmacyjna papka: „you are enough”, „trudne chwile uczą nas najwięcej” i inne frazy, które brzmią jak z kubka z napisem self-care. trochę ciepła, głównie banały, to raczej wspierający, miły prezent mówiący „myślę o tobie” albo coś dla dziecka (mniejszego) niż lektura, którą chce się przeczytać

[Lynsey Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox Under The Moon is the most beautiful book I have ever read. The colours, the animals, the British countryside, the moon, the changing seasons, and the inspiring words, it’s everything I love gathered into one magical place. Reading it feels like a hug from the universe, like coming home. I never wanted it to end, and I long to live inside its pages forever.

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book with equally beautiful words <3

[Rebekah Burnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet and encouraging! I love how she makes "uplifting picture books for adults"! I just love that wording 😍

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really beautiful—so warm and full of valuable lessons for everyone: adults, young kids, teenagers… honestly, for any age. I love the drawings; they’re simple yet so meaningful. The whole book feels deep, thoughtful, and inspiring. It’s amazing how something so simple can touch you so deeply.

[Louise O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully heartfelt and inspiring read, with lovely illustrations of nature and wildlife throughout. Filled with messages of hope, motivation and reassurance, relating to aspects of life, love, and loss.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hug in a book. A perfect read for those turbulent times to help sit back and reset. The illustrations are lovely and the words hit just right.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5💫

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY LOVED THAT WITH EVERY SINGLE FIBRE OF MY BEING. I COULDNT HAVE PICKED A BETTER TIME TO READ IT. 5 STARS. SOUL BOOK. WILL ALWAYS GO BACK TO THAT. EVEN TO READ JUST ONE PAGE. EVERY SINGLE PAGE IS SO SIGNIFICANT.

This is truly the most beautiful book I have ever read. Every single page is so full of meaning and connection.

I will cherish this book forever, especially because my nan got it for us!! That was everything and more.

I cried. In good ways. In releasing ways. In ways that touched my heart and reminded me in so many ways of different aspects of my life about so many different things. friendships, grief, self respect and love.

I would love to come back to this book on hard days like this to remind myself of the beauty that the world can hold. I appreciated the beautiful artwork. The illustrations correlated so well with following the seasons and morals of this story.

That dedication and last page.

“For anyone who has ever known the sheer joy, and utter heartbreak of being able to truly feel.”

“Until we meet again…”

I would copy and paste every single word of this book if I could. I beg to anyone who feels lost in life or on the hard days, the days difficult to find the light, to read this book and remind yourself of the good things you have and if you have none of them that it’s worth hanging on so you find the things worth fighting for.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit repetitive, but still beautiful and inspiring!

[Caitlin Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a hug in a book. Just what I needed right now after a crappy start to the new year.

I’d recommend this to anyone going through a tough time, or just to anyone who wishes to have a hug and cannot have one.

[JWILLIAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply beautiful book with thought provoking text. Brilliant…

[Brendan Rather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy whimsical art and reminders of the importance of patience, stillness, love, hope, trust, courage, and memory.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful book i have ever read!

The words...the pictures on every page!

I love it😍

[Mehak Sharma :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful book I’ve read so far♥️

[Sybiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

really lovely and soft to read, very well written and very apt to the point

[Fenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute drawings and deep thoughts. Love it so much

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox Under the Moon: Seasons of Comfort and Hope by Stacey McNeill is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming book that offers gentle reflections on life's seasons. If you've visited Tea Leaves & Reads you'll know that we have been fans of Stacey's work for a long time - seeing it brought together in a traditionally published book is incredible. The finish is beautiful, it's the perfect book for gifting and every single page showcases Stacey's incredible talent.

Through the journey of a young fox and the wise old moon, McNeill explores themes of friendship, grief, love, and personal growth, providing readers with comforting insights and encouragement. This book spans the ages - and is suitable for absolutely everybody.

Illustrations: The artwork is enchanting, capturing the essence of each season with delicate details and a soothing colour palette.

Themes: The book thoughtfully addresses universal experiences such as change, resilience, and the importance of connection, making it relatable to readers of all ages.

Design: With its hardcover format, ribbon bookmark, and engaging illustrations, this book makes for a perfect heartfelt gift, offering both aesthetic appeal and meaningful content.

Fox Under the Moon: Seasons of Comfort and Hope is a tender and inspiring read that provides solace and wisdom through its gentle narrative and captivating illustrations. Whether you're seeking a moment of reflection or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, this book offers a comforting embrace for the soul.

[LeighAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey McNeil's Fox Under the Moon is a masterful blend of soothing narrative and stunning visual artistry, making it a true gem for readers of all ages. From the very first page, the calming prose wraps around you like a gentle embrace, inviting you to lose yourself in a world where night creatures dance under a soft, silvery moonlight.

The illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking. Each page is adorned with exquisite colors that evoke a sense of serenity and wonder. The deep blues and soft grays of the night sky are complemented beautifully by warm, earthy tones that bring the woodland scene to life. The delicate depictions of the fox, intertwined with nature, serve as a reminder of the tranquility found in the natural world.

McNeil’s lyrical storytelling flows effortlessly, creating a rhythm that feels almost musical. It’s a perfect bedtime tale or a quiet companion for reflective moments, offering not just a story, but an experience that lulls you into a state of peace. The imagery is vivid, painting striking mental pictures that linger long after the pages are turned.

In a world often filled with chaos, Fox Under the Moon offers a serene escape. It's a celebration of the night, a tribute to the beauty of nature, and a reminder of the calm that can be found in gentle moments of stillness. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind or reconnect with the magic of the natural world.

[Jesse | jessereviewsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse", this type of inspirational book has become very popular. Usually, each page is filled with beautiful artwork and one or two sentences that are meant to be inspirational. I tend to love the artwork in these books and buy them just to have on my shelf. This book is no different; however, I will say that the art in this one is easily my favorite!

The "story" follows a fox over the course of a year, who reflects on life and asks questions to the wise moon. Each season focuses on different topics:

Winter - rest and reflection
Spring - hope and new beginnings
Summer - love and abundance
Fall - change and letting go

While some of the pages hit more profoundly than others, we still get a lot of the same generic inspirational quotes that you will see in many other similar works. That being said, the artwork still makes this book a must-buy. This would be a great gift for someone who wants a little bit of inspiration and whimsy in their life.

Highly recommended!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to win this book in a giveaway, and I truly did not realize just how beautiful and meaningful it would be. The gentle words and beautiful artwork have such a calming, comforting way of drawing you in and making you feel like everything will be okay. Every page feels soft, meaningful, and full of hope.

I now use this book while working with clients who are struggling with life changes that have impacted their mental health, and it has been incredible to see the comfort, laughter, reflection, and positivity it brings them during difficult moments. This book feels like it speaks directly to the heart in such a gentle and healing way.

Beautiful artwork, beautiful meaning, and just beautiful overall. I would highly recommend this book not only for yourself or anyone struggling, but especially for those who work with children, mental health, nursing, hospice, or caregiving in general. I am forever grateful that something that blessed me has also been able to bless others.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the beautiful illustrations and the way the story progressed through the seasons. The author/illustrator's work is vibrant and colorful and evokes a warm feeling in the reader. The dialogue between the moon and the fox, though, felt stilted and predictably conventional - platitude after platitude, many of them sounding alike after a while. The story felt scattershot and might have worked better if focused on a single concept; by the end, phrases like "being together is all that really matters" and "Know that shining deep within is your own kind of light" felt a little clichéd.
Five stars plus for the gorgeous artwork - anthropomorphic woodland animals are a favorite of mine and a delight in this beautiful book - but two stars for the writing. I'll average it to four and, again, still highly recommend it for the artwork.

[Mandy Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy Charlie Macksey books then you may enjoy this. It starts very similar to his, which initally made me think oh no its a copy. Reading on we explore the seasons with fox who seeks advise the moon. There are many sweet pages and it's main message is resilience and over coming fear which may benefit younger readers. However, this book doesnt have the soul that I Charlie Macksey books have- perhaps it's the digital illustrations rather than handdrawn ink/ sketches / watercolours. Inevitably, it's hard to compete with such beautiful, heartfelt books but was a lovely book to read in a sitting.

[Cindy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the vain of the "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse", this book follows the ongoing conversations between a fox and the ever present moon. Their conversations offer insights and reflections about the ups and downs of life, with the fox representing the earthly concerns we tend to experience as humans while the moon offers advice and encouragement. It is a sweet, episodic book filled with beautiful nature/cosmic themed illustrations on every page. This is a book I am sure to return to again and again whenever I need a pick me up.

[Melinda Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a warm hug. The art is gorgeous! And I really loved that the entire book was a picture book for adults, with the text hand painted and everything! If you are feeling down, lonely, discouraged, overwhelmed, or just exhausted from the world, then you should sit down with this book. Take your time, make a cup of tea (or coffee), and cozy up with some beautiful art that will soothe your soul.

[maria ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

proof of my duality is that i read this directly after making my parents watch saltburn 😂 needless to say they were slightly traumatised.

did i pick this up simply because it has a fox on it? maybe. did i read this while drinking tea from my fox mug? perhaps. the logical conclusion to draw from this is that i really like foxes 🦊

[Gemma Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated throughout. Magical in its teachings a long the way and a loving embrace throughout that leaves your heart feeling peaceful and calm. Loved the artwork for longer than I can remember so I was very excited to see a published book with beautiful words, teachings and illustrations. The journey has just begun and I’m very keen to join the adventure.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like wrapping yourself in the biggest, warmest hug. I found the words and illustrations resonated with me in a very personal and emotional way. I’ve read it multiple times after experiencing a great loss and each time it brought a sense of peace & hope. It’s a truly beautiful book for any age.

[Natalie Schloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

very sweet with lovely artwork! though a little repetitive at times for me

i did order it seeing it could be enjoyed by children and adults alike and was thinking of it as a gift, assuming it was much shorter than it is, but the kid in question is a little too young to enjoy it though i figure she can enjoy the pictures so i'll probably just pass it along to her parents lol

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeously illustrated, natured-inspired collection of conversations or quotes to walk with you through dark days! Beautiful book. Would make a wonderful gift.
I'm grateful to have received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway!

[Angel McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beautiful book both in words and in illustrations full of uplifting quotes that everyone would find comfort in.
However, it was incredibly reminiscent of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse to the point that some of the quotes were almost word for word.