Stephanie Graegin’s new wordless picture book, Little Fox in the Forest, is the enchanting story of a young girl and the stuffed fox she brings to class for show-and-tell. The absence of text adds to the magical atmosphere of the tale, which Graegin, working with a subdued palette of grays and blues, presents in panels, in the manner of a comic book.
During a break on the playground at school, the girl leaves her treasured toy unattended. Meanwhile, a fox (the real thing!) peeks out of the bushes, his vivid orange coat contrasting with the book’s muted background. He nabs the fox and dashes away, the girl in hot pursuit behind him.
With the help of a boy from school, the girl tracks the fox into the woods. When the two classmates discover a magical village among the trees, Graegin’s illustrations bloom into full color. The bright, bustling little town is inhabited by animals of every stripe—including the fox. But will the travelers be able to find him?
From opening endpapers that feature a bookshelf loaded with fabulous toys and titles like Mystery in the Woods to the fully realized town tucked away in the forest, Graegin’s book is filled with surprises. It’s a thrilling adventure that youngsters will love, and a story that gets richer with every perusal. No words necessary.
