FOX: A CIRCLE OF LIFE STORY, by Isabel Thomas and Daniel Egnéus, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Nov. 30, 2021, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-7)
Fox: A Circle of Life Story, by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Daniel Egnéus, follows the life and death of a fox.
In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end, it’s also a beginning. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Fox: A Circle of Life Story is a thoughtful picture book. Simple and expressive narrative leads readers through gorgeous illustrations that bring the natural world to life.
Though the illustrations are lovely, Fox: A Circle of Life Story, is better suited for readers ages 5 and up. That’s due to the honest — but thoughtful — look at death and decay that kids will have questions about and parents will want to discuss.
Thomas helps with that discussion by providing back matter that touches on: what happens when something dies; building blocks of life; decomposition; cycle of life; and what happens after death. These scientific answers offer further context while remaining accessible to parents and children.
