Red Fox at McCloskey's Farm

by: Brian Heinz; Illustrated by Chris Sheban

Published by: Creative Editions

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

The siren call of the chicken coop at Old McCloskey's farm is too much for Red Fox. He must answer it. Regardless of Hound Dog who guards the hens. Regardless of Old McCloskey in his underwear, slinging stones. He must try.

This lyrical story of a fox's visit to the hen house is a treasure to behold. The cadence for the read-aloud is nearly flawless; the humor, subtle. I love how this is obviously a regular temptation for Red Fox, one he will cave into again and again, regardless of the consequences. Isn't that just like all of us? My "siren" is in the candy aisle at the grocery store.

The format of the book is interesting. There are foldout pages, which the kids love. However, I've had some frustration with them. One must be very careful to put them back just right, or they get bent. Also, in some cases, the illustration is on the foldout and the kids keep flipping the pages to look at "all" the pictures. This will probably bother the reader more than the listener as all the flipping brings the reading to a halt. Of course, that speaks well for the illustrator, whose art is lovely.

Brian also wrote Cheyenne Medicine Hat, A stunning tale of struggle and survival in the American West (see our review). The illustrations of running horses were top-notch.

Armchair Interviews says: A great book, even though the format may not be to your liking.

Author's Web site: http://www.BrianHeinz.com