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The Fox and the Star
From an award-winning designer comes an original fable about need and loss Once there was a Fox who lived in a deep, dense forest. For as long as Fox could remember, his only friend had been Star, who lit the forest paths each night. But then one night Star was not there, and Fox had to face the forest all alone. The Fox and the Star is a work of prose and design, each page thoughtfully created by Coralie Bickford-Smith
56 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2015
17 people are currently reading
7570 people want to read
About the author
Coralie Bickford-Smith
65 books164 followersCoralie Bickford-Smith graduated from Reading University after studying Typography and Graphic Communication and currently works in-house at Penguin Books. Coralie's book covers have been recognised by the AIGA (NY) and D&AD (UK) and have featured in a numerous international magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, Vogue and The Guardian. Her work with Penguin Classics on the clothbound series attracted worldwide attention and harks back to the world of Victorian bindings and a golden age of book binding.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 872 reviews
July 3, 2018
if these pictures don't show you why you need this book, there's no hope for you.
and yeah, yeah, yeah, this isn't goodpictures.com and we're all of us first and foremost readers here and we love a good story more than anything else, but sometimes pictures printed in startlingly vivid color
on heavy-stock paper
in which the illustrations are seemingly bursting out of the confines of the page
all sewn between two pleasantly soft clothbound boards
can make words take a backseat for a little while. even for creatures such as we.
the words don't make up a bad story, it's just a bit meandering and lackluster and can be summed up as, "oh, there it is."
but if you're reading this book for the articles, you're doing it wrong. this is one of those books you appreciate because it is a beautiful object, one that you will take down and admire when you just need the comfort of something pretty in front of your eyes.
and i can personally attest to the fact that it makes a wonderful gift! one i will revisit and flip through way more than, say, Don Quixote.
so there.
winner of that argument = me.
come to my blog!
August 3, 2016
The physical book is gorgeous--just gorgeous. When you handle the clothbound hardback, it feels like a beautiful old edition of a children's classic that has been handed down for generations. Its handsomeness befits the author, the art director who designed some of Penguin Classics' most iconic modern editions.
The illustrations within are pretty, and I liked the quiet story of a fox searching for a star that has always been his companion. But I'm not entirely sure that the book ended on as strong/emphatic/touching a note as I was expecting, so....I think 3.5 stars for me. This seems to happen with many artists who try their hands at writing for the first time, that style/artwork overshadow story. And no matter how lovely the illustrations or jacket design, it's still story that is king.
But man, is this book beautiful. I'm not sorry to have purchased it, though I wish I'd loved it as much as I was expecting to.
The illustrations within are pretty, and I liked the quiet story of a fox searching for a star that has always been his companion. But I'm not entirely sure that the book ended on as strong/emphatic/touching a note as I was expecting, so....I think 3.5 stars for me. This seems to happen with many artists who try their hands at writing for the first time, that style/artwork overshadow story. And no matter how lovely the illustrations or jacket design, it's still story that is king.
But man, is this book beautiful. I'm not sorry to have purchased it, though I wish I'd loved it as much as I was expecting to.
June 5, 2020
The Fox and the Star is the story of a friendship between a lonely Fox and the Star who guides him through the frightfully dark forest. Illuminated by Star’s rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain—until Star suddenly goes out and life changes, leaving Fox huddling for warmth in the unfamiliar dark.
To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows—a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky.
This book has been on my wish-list for months and months, and I'm so glad to have finally finished it. I was so into the story that I didn't even notice just how quickly I reached the ending...
But I was particularly excited for the gorgeous illustrations that captured my heart instantly:
I can't stop staring at how beautiful the illustrations are!!!
Overall, I'm glad I finally have this in my possession because I don't plan on letting go anytime soon.
3.5/5 stars
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying The Fox and the Star, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows—a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky.
This book has been on my wish-list for months and months, and I'm so glad to have finally finished it. I was so into the story that I didn't even notice just how quickly I reached the ending...
But I was particularly excited for the gorgeous illustrations that captured my heart instantly:
I can't stop staring at how beautiful the illustrations are!!!
Overall, I'm glad I finally have this in my possession because I don't plan on letting go anytime soon.
3.5/5 stars
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying The Fox and the Star, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
July 14, 2016
This was lovely. Poetry is the most artful form of the written word; it is careful and selective. Each word, each piece of punctuation, each syllable, is weighed carefully to produce an image or sensation to the highest effect. This isn’t poetry, though the same close attention to detail can be seen.
The illustrations are everything. The book itself, the physical object, is part of the story. They combine with the words themselves to evoke the essence of this. In this case, the physical object is part of the experience. It is very nice to hold. Does that sound weird? This is very high standard; it reminds me of some of the folio society’s books. The story itself is very simple. It is a children’s story, though in this form it feels elevated. This book would be a perfect gift for a booklover.
The illustrations are everything. The book itself, the physical object, is part of the story. They combine with the words themselves to evoke the essence of this. In this case, the physical object is part of the experience. It is very nice to hold. Does that sound weird? This is very high standard; it reminds me of some of the folio society’s books. The story itself is very simple. It is a children’s story, though in this form it feels elevated. This book would be a perfect gift for a booklover.
December 24, 2017
I must confess, I bought Coralie Bickford-Smith's The Fox and the Star purely because it's utterly beautiful. Given the name of this blog, it's probably no surprise. I was especially intrigued when it won the Waterstones Book of the Year. It's the sort of book that you discover while browsing the shelves of your favourite bookshop and cannot help but pick up, although I bought my copy from a small bookshop that I hadn't visited before.
Coralie Bickford-Smith is the award-winning designer of the iconic clothbound Penguin Classics and so I knew before I peeked inside that the illustrations would be as beautiful as the exquisite cover design. The Fox and the Star is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake and is certainly an experience. Much of the book lets the pictures speak for themselves; words are unnecessary. But that doesn't mean that the words aren't lovely too. The Fox and the Star is the sweet story of one fox finding the courage to step out into the dangerous, dark world to find his lost star.
The Fox and the Star is a glorious book that I immediately put on display on my desk, the perfect gift for all ages.
"Once there was a Fox who lived in a deep, dense forest. For as long as Fox could remember, his only friend has been Star, who lit the forest paths for Fox each night. But then one night, Star was not there, and Fox had to face the darkness all alone..."
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
June 14, 2017
"Cu toate acestea, de când se știa, se trezea noaptea sub lumina senină și netulburată a unei stele."
" Toată fericirea vulpii era legată de lumina pâlpâitoare a stelei. Și așa fusese dintotdeauna."
" Toată fericirea vulpii era legată de lumina pâlpâitoare a stelei. Și așa fusese dintotdeauna."
October 24, 2015
One of the most beautifully illustrated and designed books I have ever had the pleasure of reading ^_^
February 22, 2024
I came across this book while emptying the book drop at the library where I work. The artwork of the cover drew me in. This book stood out from all the others, and there were a lot as the bin was full.
I opened it up to peek at the inside to see if it was as good as the outside, and it was! I spied a gorgeous picture of a red fox. I love foxes. And, that was it, I decided that it was coming home with me.
I loved the story, and the illustrations are amazing! My favorite lines are:
"He asked Star to shine through the clouds
so he could dance to the rain's tapping beat."
I opened it up to peek at the inside to see if it was as good as the outside, and it was! I spied a gorgeous picture of a red fox. I love foxes. And, that was it, I decided that it was coming home with me.
I loved the story, and the illustrations are amazing! My favorite lines are:
"He asked Star to shine through the clouds
so he could dance to the rain's tapping beat."
February 14, 2019
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, wonderful colours and patterns 5 stars for them but I found the storyline really weak I'm afraid.
December 29, 2022
A lonely fox looks for guidance and friendship in a distant star, determined to make the unlikely duo the best of friends.
The cover alone indicates what a gorgeous book this is. Every single page inside of it was full of the same stunning illustration style, making it a wonder to behold. It enhanced the heartfelt story, that tugged on my heartstrings from the first introduction to Fox's character and ensured this a beautiful tale that all age ranges will appreciate.
The cover alone indicates what a gorgeous book this is. Every single page inside of it was full of the same stunning illustration style, making it a wonder to behold. It enhanced the heartfelt story, that tugged on my heartstrings from the first introduction to Fox's character and ensured this a beautiful tale that all age ranges will appreciate.
December 21, 2016
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Gifted to me for xmas by my wonderful friend Carrol and recced by book fairy/friend karen :)
Check her review out here for some of the beautiful illustrations in this book... I can't stop looking at them!
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A sweet and beautiful story... only 64 pages but it feels bigger than that. The illustrations add a magical quality to the story and helps bring you along on Fox's journey to find his friend.
It took me a little longer to read this because of the beauty of the drawings (not that I'm complaining hehe).
The ending had me smiling from ear to ear :)
I won't say much so I won't spoil it for ya, go out and pick it up for yourself... hurry now! :)
One of those stories that will be appreciated more each time it is read... perfect for both young, and the not-so-young.
Can I give more than five stars??
April 3, 2022
C’est triste wsh. Merci Mika 🤣🤣
November 30, 2015
When the book arrived in my mailbox, I held it in awe. The cover is perfect. I love the navy blue background and the cute little fox at the bottom, it just begs to be read and a fine showcase on your bookshelf!
The story is worthy of the cover too. It’s about a sweet little fox that loves his star. The star lights the fox’s way until one day the star is gone and the poor little fox is scared and doesn’t know what to do.
At first the fox hides from the dark and is scared, but eventually he decides he can’t hide forever and he goes looking for his star. What he finds isn’t just his start, but millions of other stars as well. He learns to never give up.
It was a heart warming little story that would be perfect for a nighttime reading with your little ones. It’s a classic story that children and adults will enjoy. But what really makes this book is the illustrations!
The illustrations are so marvelous! I love the navy and orange as the primary colors. They work so well together and are classic and timeless. The cute little forrest scenes, the trees, the animals…..all so cute and each page is different, and you have to ‘follow’ the words on some pages.
The illustrations and the word following make it engaging for reader and child…..on some pages I had to hunt for the fox, I could just see the parent asking their child, ‘where is the fox?’ while they are reading. In my mind this is a book that begs for parent/child reading time.
Sure older kids could read this book all on their own but it’s the kind of book that I see a parent and child reading together as a bedtime story…..just my vision.
The quality of the book and the pages are wonderful. The pages are thick and the illustrations vibrant, it gives the feeling of a special, luxurious book.
I can’t say enough good things about the story, illustrations, and the book itself. It was a real treat to read. I am going to keep this one on a little shelf of honor until I do have a baby one day…..and I plan on going with a woodland nursery some day so this book would fit right in with my decor!
This would make a fun holiday gift for younger kids or new parents to be or even big kids like me that just love beautiful books and illustrations! This is the kind of book that you want to actually buy a physical copy of…sure ebooks are always nice and convenient but books like this can’t be done justice on a computer screen. You need to feel them in you hands to fully appreciate both their story and their illustrations. Do you self (or your loved one) a favor and buy them the hard copy!
I am so glad I got to read this one, it was a lovely story and all around treat for me!
See my full review here
The story is worthy of the cover too. It’s about a sweet little fox that loves his star. The star lights the fox’s way until one day the star is gone and the poor little fox is scared and doesn’t know what to do.
At first the fox hides from the dark and is scared, but eventually he decides he can’t hide forever and he goes looking for his star. What he finds isn’t just his start, but millions of other stars as well. He learns to never give up.
It was a heart warming little story that would be perfect for a nighttime reading with your little ones. It’s a classic story that children and adults will enjoy. But what really makes this book is the illustrations!
The illustrations are so marvelous! I love the navy and orange as the primary colors. They work so well together and are classic and timeless. The cute little forrest scenes, the trees, the animals…..all so cute and each page is different, and you have to ‘follow’ the words on some pages.
The illustrations and the word following make it engaging for reader and child…..on some pages I had to hunt for the fox, I could just see the parent asking their child, ‘where is the fox?’ while they are reading. In my mind this is a book that begs for parent/child reading time.
Sure older kids could read this book all on their own but it’s the kind of book that I see a parent and child reading together as a bedtime story…..just my vision.
The quality of the book and the pages are wonderful. The pages are thick and the illustrations vibrant, it gives the feeling of a special, luxurious book.
I can’t say enough good things about the story, illustrations, and the book itself. It was a real treat to read. I am going to keep this one on a little shelf of honor until I do have a baby one day…..and I plan on going with a woodland nursery some day so this book would fit right in with my decor!
This would make a fun holiday gift for younger kids or new parents to be or even big kids like me that just love beautiful books and illustrations! This is the kind of book that you want to actually buy a physical copy of…sure ebooks are always nice and convenient but books like this can’t be done justice on a computer screen. You need to feel them in you hands to fully appreciate both their story and their illustrations. Do you self (or your loved one) a favor and buy them the hard copy!
I am so glad I got to read this one, it was a lovely story and all around treat for me!
See my full review here
June 6, 2021
در این قصه دوستی هست و شادی و شادمانی
May 23, 2017
Hay tantos detalles en cada una de las imágenes. Te puedes quedar mucho tiempo mirándolas, comunican, tienen su lenguaje propio. Hay un excelente uso de los colores. La historia inicia con colores vivos, cuando zorro cuenta con estrella, pero cuando estrella desaparece, las ilustraciones se tornan más oscuras y grises. A medida que zorro evoluciona como personaje, los colores comienzan a volver poco a poco.
La edición es de lujo con tapa dura y una portada preciosa, llena de detalles. Las páginas son gruesas y firmes, ideal para que un niño las pueda hojear sin romperlas. Una calidad increíble.
Reseña completa: http://eligeunlibro.blogspot.cl/2017/...
La edición es de lujo con tapa dura y una portada preciosa, llena de detalles. Las páginas son gruesas y firmes, ideal para que un niño las pueda hojear sin romperlas. Una calidad increíble.
Reseña completa: http://eligeunlibro.blogspot.cl/2017/...
September 26, 2016
I was kindly gifted this one by my lovely friend Elena for my birthday today, and naturally I dived straight in and read it.
This is a children's illustrated story which is beautifully composed with every page planned out and lovely to look at. The pattern-based style means that each spread is balanced and draws the eye around with the gentle colour offset making it lovely to gaze at. The repetition of the forms makes it easy to follow and simple to grasp, but it also has a uniformity to it and a grace. Definitely the images overshadowed the story.
The story follows a young fox who is friends with a star, until the star vanishes and he has to make his own way in the world. The story itself is simple and charming, and the little character of the fox does shine through. He's playful and adventurous, and filled with life which means he definitely draws your focus and propels you thought the story.
My only problem with this book is that it finishes very abruptly and it seems as thought the story loses its way and becomes a little meaningless in the end. For me I would have liked a little more resolution, but on the whole it's a lovely book to read and I have no doubt children would adore it. It's a simple but sweet present, and I would give it a 3*s overall :)
This is a children's illustrated story which is beautifully composed with every page planned out and lovely to look at. The pattern-based style means that each spread is balanced and draws the eye around with the gentle colour offset making it lovely to gaze at. The repetition of the forms makes it easy to follow and simple to grasp, but it also has a uniformity to it and a grace. Definitely the images overshadowed the story.
The story follows a young fox who is friends with a star, until the star vanishes and he has to make his own way in the world. The story itself is simple and charming, and the little character of the fox does shine through. He's playful and adventurous, and filled with life which means he definitely draws your focus and propels you thought the story.
My only problem with this book is that it finishes very abruptly and it seems as thought the story loses its way and becomes a little meaningless in the end. For me I would have liked a little more resolution, but on the whole it's a lovely book to read and I have no doubt children would adore it. It's a simple but sweet present, and I would give it a 3*s overall :)
January 15, 2022
This book is beautiful inside out! I went for the cover but it gave me more than what I expected.
I love the concepts of loneliness and fear of darkness in the story that a lonesome fox had to face everyday.
The fox and a star became an unlikely pair of friends or so the fox thought.
Without the star, the fox gets lost.
But you know what?
The fox didn't remain stuck there.
He came out of the darkness and moved on.
And guess what?!
A million other stars which were willing to share their lights were waiting for him already!
Love, love, love this graphic novel.
Love the writing.
Love the amazing black and white artwork.
Made my day!
I love the concepts of loneliness and fear of darkness in the story that a lonesome fox had to face everyday.
The fox and a star became an unlikely pair of friends or so the fox thought.
Without the star, the fox gets lost.
But you know what?
The fox didn't remain stuck there.
He came out of the darkness and moved on.
And guess what?!
A million other stars which were willing to share their lights were waiting for him already!
Love, love, love this graphic novel.
Love the writing.
Love the amazing black and white artwork.
Made my day!
January 23, 2024
Dá vontade de emoldurar cada página, de tão belas que são as ilustrações. A partir da amizade entre um raposo e uma estrela, partimos para uma fábula sobre descoberta do mundo e dos outros. Lindíssimo! Em Portugal está editado pela Relógio d’água.
March 3, 2017
Una historia preciosa, con un mensaje más bonito aún, que me ha recordado en cierto modo a "El principio", con una bonita enseñanza para los adultos y con unas ilustraciones maravillosas para los niños. Sin duda una edición muy cuidada y selecta que les encantará a todos los amantes de los libros preciosos. Una lectura ligera pero que a su vez, te hace reflexionar.
March 29, 2019
I received both The Fox and the Star and The Worm and the Bird for Christmas this year after having them on my wishlist for years. I have always enjoyed Coralie Bickford-Smith's illustrative style because it's simple but bold and also incredibly distinct so I was thrilled when I learned she was illustrating her own book. Of the two, I enjoyed the story of Fox better than Worm, but they are both cute. If you are considering purchasing this book, do yourself a favor and get the hardcover, it is truly worth every penny. These are two of the most beautiful books I have ever added to my shelves and just feeling the weight of the pages is an experience in and of itself.
February 21, 2020
This is adorable and I love the illustrations. I actually pick this up to use as an inspiration for my journal theme. Hehe. I might post a proper review soon.
October 24, 2016
Gorgeously illustrated, cover, designs, everything. A joy to hold in your hands . I read this aloud to my lovely niece as she fell asleep tonight . Beautifully made book but not much in a way of a story and yet oddly ended on an uplifted note. It cheered me up.
A kind of book that you read to your kids. They'll rejoice at the sound of your voice , which is temporary by nature , at the beautiful artwork, and you'll rejoice by the end of this book .
Don't go , but grow .
August 26, 2017
Ha sido un lindo libro y triste
June 25, 2017
First things first, the illustrations are absolutely amazing. I love Bickford-Smith's style and the paper is also very thick and good quality. So, this is really is a beautiful book. I was a bit disappointed by the story though, and kind of wish it had a bit more depth and lasting impact. Don't get me wrong, it was lovely, but I think the majority of the appeal of this book is the artwork.
October 8, 2017
3.5 stars!
May 20, 2018
Simply beautiful. And lovely, and (insert any synonym for lovely and beautiful). This is the cuspid of the bookworm, buying a book just because it has pretty drawings and you can instagram it like the bookaddict you are. So, the short story is good, but really, the illustrations lift it into another level. I'll definitely buy the other one.
Es un mensaje lindo para animarte a salir de tu zona de confort pero las ilustraciones son lo que mas vale la pena, prometo poner unas después :)
Es un mensaje lindo para animarte a salir de tu zona de confort pero las ilustraciones son lo que mas vale la pena, prometo poner unas después :)
February 10, 2017
5 stars for the beautiful illustrations, the cover and the way of how it was written - absolutely fantastic!
But only 3 stars for the story, which honestly was a bit underwhelming and not what I thought it would be. I still enjoyed the reading experience - although it went by way too fast - and I'm happy that I have it and can look at it again and again and again because I'm really in love with the illustrations.
But only 3 stars for the story, which honestly was a bit underwhelming and not what I thought it would be. I still enjoyed the reading experience - although it went by way too fast - and I'm happy that I have it and can look at it again and again and again because I'm really in love with the illustrations.
January 11, 2023
a really pretty book, using a minimal colour palette and a really distinct style - feeling in places like etchings, in places like fancy wallpaper 😉
I liked how clever the art was in places too, using kinda negative space and/or repeating shapes to reveal others.
the story is simple and sweet, not too anthropomorphised, and one that I think is likely to appeal across different ages of humans (and foxes?) in different ways.
I quite liked grumpy sad fox refusing to emerge from his hole 😉 and the rebirth story within that.
and the reminder that a good meal of beetles is cheering 😉
🍃🍂🪲🦊🪲🍂🍃
I liked how clever the art was in places too, using kinda negative space and/or repeating shapes to reveal others.
the story is simple and sweet, not too anthropomorphised, and one that I think is likely to appeal across different ages of humans (and foxes?) in different ways.
I quite liked grumpy sad fox refusing to emerge from his hole 😉 and the rebirth story within that.
and the reminder that a good meal of beetles is cheering 😉
🍃🍂🪲🦊🪲🍂🍃
October 22, 2016
The cover is amazing, lovely hardback textured cover, the illustrations are wonderful, the fox is so sweet. The story itself was not as good as I was good as I was expecting, very short and you have to use your imagination a lot, it make take a few readings for my daughter to get it.
One thing I can say about it though, somebody could do an amazing version of this on stage.
Will be reading this many times.
One thing I can say about it though, somebody could do an amazing version of this on stage.
Will be reading this many times.
January 7, 2021
Livro visualmente muito bonito mas, como se costuma dizer, com "muita parra e pouca uva", ou seja, tinha potencialidades para ser muito mais. A história é fraquinha. Salvam-se as imagens apesar de, mesmo essas, se tornarem repetitivas.
E só um pequeno detalhe... as raposas não têm a cauda anelada.
De qualquer maneira é um livro bonito cuja história simples e inocente deverá agradar crianças até aos seis anos de idade. Será uma boa história para ler antes de adormecer.
E só um pequeno detalhe... as raposas não têm a cauda anelada.
De qualquer maneira é um livro bonito cuja história simples e inocente deverá agradar crianças até aos seis anos de idade. Será uma boa história para ler antes de adormecer.
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