The Fox and the Star
on Goodreads (4,736)
What’s inside...
The Fox and the Star is a beautifully illustrated tale of a lonely fox in search of his lost star friend. Through his journey, the fox learns about resilience, hope, and the beauty of the world around him. From the award-winning designer of the iconic Penguin Hardcover Classics comes a beautifully illustrated fable about loss, friendship, and courage. The story follows the friendship between the lonely Fox and the Star who guides him through the dark forest. Illuminated by the Star’s rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain—until the Star suddenly goes out, leaving Fox in the unfamiliar dark. To find his missing Star, Fox embarks on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows, a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and possibly a star-filled new sky. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake, The Fox and the Star is a heartwarming, hopeful tale that comes alive through Bickford-Smith’s beloved illustrations and guides readers to 'look up beyond your ears.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Fox felt when he lost Star, and why?
What do you think Star represents for Fox?
How did Fox change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why is it important to have friends and helpers in our lives, like Star was for Fox?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Fox?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, connecting it with their own experiences of friendship and loss.
Discuss the symbolic meanings of Star in the story, and ask your child what their 'Star' would be in their life.
Highlight the themes of resilience and courage by discussing how Fox coped with his feelings and the situation.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotional depth of the story, adjusting your voice for different scenes to make it engaging.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes or characters from the book to reinforce the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'The Fox and the Star,' the fox faces darkness and obstacles after losing his guide, the Star. His journey through the forest alone teaches him to persist despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that perseverance is key when facing difficult situations and that resilience can lead them through uncertain times.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loss
Explanation: The story portrays the bond between the Fox and the Star, and how the Fox deals with the Star's disappearance. It addresses the emotions related to losing someone important.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and cope with feelings of loss, whether it’s a pet, moving away from friends, or other changes.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: Without the Star, the Fox must venture into the world on his own. This encourages him to develop courage and discover new paths.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded that stepping out of their comfort zone is a part of growth and can lead to new experiences and learnings.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The detailed illustrations in the book highlight the beauty of the natural world surrounding the Fox, promoting a sense of wonder and respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural environment around them, fostering a lifelong connection with nature.