Faraway Fox

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

We are seeing more and more wildlife from mammals to fish get caught in areas where humans are living. They wander in and can't get back to there own environment. In Faraway Fox, a young fox finds himself wondering where his family is. He remembers the stream where he and his sister caught frogs and how good his father was at hunting. The text tells of his remembering but the illustrations show a playground, a construction site and a parking lot. With simple text and large two page spreads, this book explores the problem of animal encroachment into dangerous human territory. Happily there is a solution. As seen in the story, humans are building underpasses, overpasses, viaducts,and tunnels, allowing animals an escape route back to their home ground. With an author's note at the end of the story, the Thompsons are educating young readers on how to be good stewards to the animals they share the earth with. A great choice for any collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent