Staff Pick
Such a simple story, just a fox in the woods at night, but the minimal, poetic language and the sweeping art in smoky grays and washes of yellow-orange make Gray Fox in the Moonlight an exquisite encounter as well as a celebration of the simple fact that no matter what parents must do, they always return to keep their children cozy and safe. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Gray Fox in the Moonlight features simple two color illustrations overflowing with light in this evergreen story about a parent's love for their child.
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. It 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.
Review
"This work's spare text is chosen with expert precision….Somber, contemplative works are often dense with text, whereas this book needs not one breath more for its perfect autumn and ¬winter message." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"The text matches the fox's steps so perfectly that readers may feel as though they're following her home through the woods….If foxes have lost some of their fairy-tale enchantment, this book might restore it." Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Simple storytelling and a moody palette of grays, blues, and yellows….Peterson's text works neatly alongside crisp graphic renderings, whose varied textures catch the eye.” Publishers Weekly
Review
"Gray Fox in the Moonlight is a book tied to no era, which perfectly suits a timeless hymn to the natural world and to parents' love for their children." Shelf Awareness
Synopsis
2023 PUBWEST DESIGN AWARDS WINNER 2024 CIPA EVVY AWARDS WINNER GOLD
2024 CIPA EVVY AWARDS WINNER Herb Tabak Choice Award
"This book needs not one breath more for its perfect autumn and winter message." --School Library Journal, starred review
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.
MORE PRAISE FOR GRAY FOX IN THE MOONLIGHT
"The text matches the fox's steps so perfectly that readers may feel as though they're following her home through the woods." --Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
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.