The Fire Fox

by Alexandra Page, Stef Murphy (Illustrator)

An uplifting, magical book perfect for sharing at bedtime that will leave children feeling warm, cosy and loved.

Freya and her mum have gone to a little cabin to get away for a while. The light has gone out of their lives since Freya's dad passed away. Freya isn't sure about going sledging, but when she meets a magical fox in the snow, she can't help but follow him into the forest - and on to a thrilling adventure.

A heartwarming bedtime story inspired by the Finnish Saami myth of the revontulet , or fox fires - the sparks that fly from the fur of a mystical fox to become the Northern Lights.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Grief, Family, Nature, Death, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2021

Reviews

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my there are no words, this is such a touching and wonderful tale. Such gorgeous illustrations and I loved the relationship between mother and child, while we are reminded as readers that the people we love and miss are always there. This is a wonderful bookfor sharing with families dealing with loss, The last scene in the book will have you crying whilst also feeling such love. Brilliantly done.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[sallanvaara]

Not me padding out my reading stats with a bunch of picture books at work, no sir

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. The tale of Freya and the Fire Fox is delightful and full of hope. And Steph Murphy illustrations are gorgeous.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful written and illustrated book - a delight to read aloud!
A simple little story which I think will mean different things to different folks!

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm... I'm in favour of this book, but I can't quite get it out about how it almost felt inconsequential. I kind of felt it needed a parent to read it alongside the youngster that is its intended audience – despite the perfect simplicity of the text – to point out that it's not really about the Northern Lights, or about a white fox, but about closure, rebirth, getting over a loss. That's how I read it, anyway, that the mother and the girl are in the cabin not just because it's winter and because someone loved the place. The girl's magical-seeming incident – into which adults can read no end of peril a child reader might not – is cause for some wonderful illustrations, but with it being so open to interpretation I think it slips into an uncanny valley where 'so what?' is too close to being the response. Three and a half stars.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story from Alexandra Page telling the story of Freya who goes out to play in the snow and encounters a snow fox that creates magical lights.The vocabulary is wonderfully descriptive and will be good as a bedtime read or class read during the winter months . The illustrations by Stef Murphy are magical and enhance this lovely tale even further.Highly recommended to Pre school and KS1 teachers to create drama and writing activities and parents and carers for a lovely home read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so gentle and lovely, softly touching upon the little girl’s grief at losing her father without dwelling too much upon the mourning -- allowing her to feel through this as her adventure with the fire fox (and Northern Lights) helps her embrace the reality of her father’s continuing presence in her heart. It squeezed my heart and, ultimately, left me with a warm glow even as I continue to miss my own father, especially at this time of year. We have been fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights a few times this year and I love how the illustrations capture the awe and beauty surrounding them.

[Namrata Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopefully heartfelt!

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comforting, reassuring story of loss; deliciously, quietly wild; a message of hope and finding light in the darkest nights. Beautiful!

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was inspired by the Saami myth that tells the origin of the Northern Lights. It is implied that Freya's Dad is gone, which lends a bittersweet touch to the story. I love the soft illustrations, especially the scene where Freya looks up to see that the Northern Lights has appeared.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story not about death, but of beginning to find joy and comfort afterwards.

[Barbara Barbosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma história sobre perda das pessoas que nos são mais próximas e como ultrapassar essa perda.

[S46354595 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOOOOX

[Gabz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, quick to get through and a whole lot of fun. I greatly enjoyed this! 

[Ines Dias · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about grief and searching for the light when there seems to be no hope 🩵💜🩷

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely stunning book. The illustrations are stunning and the storyline is exquisite. An absolute work of art.