Gray Fox

by Jonathan London, Robert Sauber (Illustrator)

A lyrical yet unsentimental exploration of an animal's world by the author of Froggy Gets Dressed. A fox's life mirrors the changing seasons, as the landscape shifts from golden summer through autumn, winter, and spring. And, even as nature absorbs the sudden loss of the fox, there is recompense--in the form of cubs with the distinctive markings of their sire. Watercolor illustrations.

Genres: Death, Picture Books, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Jonathan London is the author of several celebrated children's books. His commitment to honoring the wonders of the natural world has been lauded by readers and critics alike. He is the author of more than 70 children's books, many of which are about nature. He's also the author of the popular Froggy series. He lives in Graton, California with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1993, this book doesn't have a modern feel, but the story is timeless and the illustrations are lush. Gray Fox's vibrant life in the woods is cut short when he is hit and killed by a truck, but he lives on in the memory of a young boy who buries him and in his cubs and their cubs.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Odyssey #89
The life and death of a fox, told with exquisite details, and beautifully illustrated.
This could provoke some really good discussions, and the real but mostly ignored area of death.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are stunning in this story that follows the life and death of a fox.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true-to-life story about a gray fox and how his life progresses. It may be difficult for the youngest readers, because .. SPOILER ALERT! ... the fox dies, but his life is continued on through his offspring. It is a wonderfully and tenderly told story with fabulous illustrations.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I was not expecting the... middle... section to happen and I was totally thrown off and stayed that way until I finished the book. I guess it's a good topic to include in pictures books, but I would recommend reading it first yourself before reading it to children so you know what's up.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cycle of life of a gray fox. He dies because of a car but a little boy makes sure his spirits moves on in his cubs.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is kind of depressing. The fox dies. There's no coming back from that. This one brought me down.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I had read first. An unexpected twist concerning the cycle of life and a car. Was beautifully illustrated.