Gray Fox in the Moonlight

by Isaac Peterson (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Gray Fox wanders alone in the forest at night. The woods are illuminated in the silvery light of the full moon and stars. She gazes around in wonder at the light in the birch grove and stops to look at her reflection in the river. But something calls to her in her reverie. She must return to her den by dawn to care for her kits when they wake.

With simple poetry young children will love, Gray Fox in the Moonlight is a journey through a nighttime wonderland that celebrates the love between parents and children. Simple two-color illustrations overflow with light in this evergreen story that illustrates the value of independence in the parental relationship as well as the powerful bond which calls us home from wandering. Gray Fox in the Moonlight revels in the profound beauty of nature.

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Kirkus

If foxes have lost some of their fairy-tale enchantment, this book might restore it.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 1-3--A mother fox pads through the brisk autumn forest, the lone creature moving in the veil of night. As she strolls, she absorbs the sights and sounds of her surroundings--the descent of autumn leaves, the glimpses of the moon and stars through the canopy overhead, and her reflection in the winding river. After a moment of quiet solemnity, the mother fox swiftly follows the trail back to her den of kits just as the sun rises. This work's spare text is chosen with expert precision so that the few words have maximum impact. The text's placement echoes the movement it depicts, making this book rife with early literacy opportunities. The monochromatism of the austere, gray tones doesn't want for detail and depth. Peterson's shifts in perspectives throughout create a sense of movement and heighten the immersive aspects of his illustrative style. Somber, contemplative works are often dense with text, whereas this book needs not one breath more for its perfect autumn and winter message. VERDICT Even the youngest of toddlers will be quickly absorbed in this brief but engaging work.--Sarah Simpson

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

Simple storytelling and a moody palette of grays, blues, and yellows document the nighttime explorations of a sleek gray fox venturing home to its sleeping kits. Basic subject-verb-adverb descriptions of the fox's movements ("Gray Fox/ walks// so lightly") mingle with quiet moments of observation ("The breeze/ moves slightly"). In one spread, the fox, presented in shadowy silhouette, looks skyward through a stand of largely bare birch-like trunks, through which "the stars shine/ between the leaves." Peterson's text works neatly alongside crisp graphic renderings, whose varied textures catch the eye. As the sun fills a final page with warm tones, the fox curls up beside her young--a gentle reminder that even the nocturnal must find time to rest. Ages 2-8. (Jan.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 
Isaac Peterson
Isaac Peterson is a fine artist and designer who grew up in Alaska. This book is inspired by one of his earliest memories: cross-country skiing to school in Fairbanks during the part of winter when it is completely dark. Isaac has taught art extensively all over the US. Isaac lives in Bend, Oregon with his family.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781685550325
Lexile Measure
340
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Collective Book Studio
Publication date
January 24, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV010000 - Juvenile Fiction | Bedtime & Dreams
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV002110 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Foxes
JUV029050 - Juvenile Fiction | Science & Nature | Trees & Forests
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Night
Foxes
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Foxes

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