The Foxes
Ivor the Engine Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Foxes,' John Doe weaves a compelling tale of survival and family bonds set in the wild landscapes of the northern woods. The novel follows the journey of a family of foxes, particularly focusing on the young kit, Ember, as she grows and learns to navigate the complexities of her environment. Faced with natural predators, human encroachment, and the changing seasons, Ember's family must adapt and overcome numerous challenges. Doe's narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, the impact of human development on wildlife, and the instinctual drive for survival. Through vivid descriptions and emotional depth, 'The Foxes' offers a poignant look at the lives of these resilient creatures and a reflection on the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the foxes felt when they faced challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in the foxes' situation?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the foxes helped each other?
Why do you think teamwork was important for the foxes?
How did the actions of the characters change the story's outcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the foxes. This makes the storytelling more engaging and helps your child connect with the characters.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story. Ask what they would do in similar situations to deepen their connection and understanding of the story’s themes.
After reading, relate the story's themes to real-life examples your child may encounter, such as working together with friends or overcoming obstacles. This helps reinforce the lessons learned from the book.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child what they notice about the pictures. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the story and its characters.
Praise your child’s responses to encourage ongoing interest and engagement in discussing books and their themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Foxes', the fox family must work together to solve challenges and find food, demonstrating the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or collaborating with siblings on household tasks, learning that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, the young foxes learn to understand the perspectives of other forest creatures, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering the feelings of friends and family members, helping to build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The foxes face various obstacles which they overcome through clever thinking and strategic planning, highlighting the importance of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, whether in academic settings or personal encounters.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The fox family encounters numerous setbacks but always perseveres, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to maintain a positive attitude and keep trying even when things get tough, which is crucial for overcoming life’s hurdles.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the foxes' connection to their natural environment and the need to care for it.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take actions like recycling, conserving water, or helping in community gardens, nurturing a lifelong respect and responsibility for the environment.