The Fox Wish

By Kimiko Aman and Komako Sakai

Winner of the Japan Picture Book Award: “A sweet, compelling yarn that perfectly captures the archetypal childhood synthesis of fantasy and reality.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 
This charming story follows two children who go looking for their jump rope—and discover that a group of foxes has claimed it as an answer to their wish. With beautiful classic illustrations and lyrical text, here is a subtle, sensitive piece of magic that proves to sisters, brothers, and foxes alike that the trusted familiar often lives right next to the truly extraordinary—if only you have the eyes to see it.
 
“Perfect for a small group storytime or a quiet moment one-on-one.” —School Library Journal
 
“An enchanted outing for two- to five-year-olds.” —The Wall Street Journal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Mar 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781452156309

Book preview

Reviews for The Fox Wish

[melodyreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

wishing, playing jump rope with foxes - great story that will bring a smile to your face!

[thornton37814 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Roxie leaves behind her jump rope, but when she goes back to pick it up, a group of foxes are skipping rope. They look funny, but Roxie and her brother teach them how to skip properly. Where does the rope end up? Read it yourself to find out. Fun illustrations, and a cute story.

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When a little girl named Roxie leaves her jump-rope at the park, she and her younger brother Lukie return to fetch it, only to find that a group of young foxes are trying to play with it. Roxie teaches her new vulpine friends how to jump rope - it is important to keep your tail up and in, so that it doesn't tangle with the rope! - but when evening comes and she tries to take her plaything, she discovers that one of the young foxes, also named Roxie, believes that is is hers, and came to her as the result of a wish for something with which to play. Roxie the little girl decides not to contest ownership with Roxie the fox cub, and she and Lukie race each other home...Originally published in Japan as "Kitsune no Kamisama," this gentle, heartwarming tale addresses a number of complex ideas - the magic to be found out in the natural world, if one is looking for it; the parallels between human and animal, and the kinship between them; the rewards we receive when we surrender something we cherish in order to preserve the happiness and faith of another - in a way that is both graceful and emotionally satisfying. The translation is accomplished, and reads quite well, something particularly notable in the little rhyme the foxes chant as they play: "Doxy, foxy, / touch the ground. / Doxy, foxy, / turn around. / Turn to the east, / and turn to the west, / and choose the one that / you like best." This is particularly impressive, since poetry and rhyme are particularly difficult to translate believably. The accompanying artwork by Komako Sakai, done in acrylic gouache, oil pencil and ballpoint pen, is every bit as lovely as Kimiko Aman's story, capturing the vulpine charm of its foxy characters, and the sweet, goodhearted nature of Roxie and Lukie. With an engaging story, winsome characters, and lovely artwork, it's easy to see why The Fox Wish won the Japan Picture Book Award. I only hope more of this author and illustrator's works are translated into English!