Fox in Love

Marshall, James. Fox in Love. Illustrated by James Marshall. Dial Books, 1982. 48 pages. $7.99. ISBN 9780140368437.

Summary:

Fox is having girl troubles! First, he meets a pretty white fox who “looks just like a movie star.” Even though his mom had to force him to take his little sister, Louise, to the playground, meeting the beautiful Raisin makes it worthwhile. In the next story, “Fox and the Girls,” our hero “plays the field” a bit: Monday through Friday, Fox takes a different girl to the fair, suggesting to each one that they have their picture taken in the photo booth. Unluckily for Fox, when he shows off for Raisin by hanging upside down, some incriminating photos fall out of his pockets! So on Saturday, “Fox went to the fair…all alone.” The final story features Fox still trying to win back Raisin’s good favor by entering a dance contest. When Raisin gets sick at the last moment, Louise must save the day!

Curriculum Connections:

The Fox series has captivated young readers and kept them entertained with Fox’s antics and the humorous illustrations. Marshall has a particular sort of humor that some children really seem to respond to. He uses some idiomatic phrases that may need some explanation: “That Fox really moves!” says Dexter, when describing Fox’s dancing.

Personal Reflections:

Marshall’s illustrations make visible his deadpan humor, with subtle yet expressive nuances and details. The illustrations are colorful and engaging and support the details of the story.

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:

PreK-8

Genre/Themes:

Humor, Friendship, Social Skills

Read-Alikes:

This book belongs on the list of classic early readers along with Rylant’s Mr. Putter and Tabby and Poppleton books, Lobel’s Frog and Toad series, and Hoban’s A Bargain for Frances.