Fox and the Jumping Contest (Fox)

The text is drily witty, and the comical illustrations, rendered in pencils, watercolors, and ink and assembled digitally, are energetic and appealing. Kids may want to have jumping contests of their own after reading this-just omit jetpacks.

Tabor's picture-book debut doesn't carry a lesson per se, but it does have plenty of laughs and utterly sweet illustrations. While Fox's friends aren't pleased to learn about his scheme, things (mostly) work out in the end.

Illustrator Tabor (A Dark, Dark Cave) makes his debut as an author with an energetic story about a jumping contest among a group of animals, a contest that Fox is determined to win. "While the other animals practiced, Fox schemed," Tabor explains, and "When you're a fox, every contest is a scheming contest." Tabor's mixed-media cartoons create friendly and funny animal characters whose personalities come through loud and clear. "Bear jumped loudest," waving his arms in giddy delight and scattering the judges' scorecards. And although Elephant can't get off the ground, "she didn't mind. She was good at other things." When Fox's turn arrives, he leaves the competition in the dust--quite literally--as the camouflaged jet pack he's wearing sends him rocketing into orbit. The pages are full of small details, both visual and verbal, that flesh out the animals' world and will keep readers chuckling (during the award ceremony, Fox can be spotted careening ever closer to the podium). And the witty resolution suggests that cheaters can still do pretty well for themselves now and again. Ages 4-8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Oct.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--Fox is single-minded in his determination to win first prize in the upcoming jumping contest. While the other animals practice and drill, Fox is busy coming up with ways to give himself an unfair advantage. He tricks the judges with a homemade jet pack, painted to match his fur, that he straps to his back. The other contestants--Frog, Turtle, Elephant, Bear, and Rabbit--have their turns and demonstrate how to be a good sport and express their talents naturally. Fox jumps so high that he actually goes into orbit. Pair this hilarious picture book, featuring mixed-media illustrations, with other trickster tales, such as "The Fox and the Grapes." Both teach important lessons in captivating ways. VERDICT A new storytime favorite, this is a winner hands down.--Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta., Canada

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.