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Children’s Book Blog: January 2026

Foxes!

Why foxes? Unlike many animals that hunker down, foxes are active all winter long. 

Foxes have inspired countless stories and fables. They appear across cultures as symbols of adaptability and intuition. Some mythologies see them as guides. I thought these sentiments were helpful as many of us struggle to thrive during the winter months. 

Plus, they are cute critters – and cute critters are always popular with kids. 😉 

– Michelle 

A Warm Winter Tail by Carrie Pearson & Christina Wald

Of the fox featuring books listed, this is Joanna and Connor’s favorite. 

Twisting perspective, animals question how humans stay warm in the winter. Do they use the same adaptation strategies that they do? 

The rhyming text and clever illustrations of children with turtle shells and fox tails are cute and humorous. And it’s educational! What more could you ask for? 

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer and Richard Jones

Similar to A Warm Winter Tail, Winter Dance explores animal adaptions in surviving cold winters.  

This one is a bit more whimsical while still being educational. However, the ending might confuse some readers so I’ll clarify here: Foxes do “dance”! Their winter dance is referring to their hunting technique and mating displays. Read this book and then look up videos of foxes ‘dancing’! 

Little Fox by Edward Van De Vendel & Marije Tolman 

In 2020, Kirkus Reviews awarded Little Fox Best Picture Book, praising its ‘beautiful, fully realized dreamscape” and tender story of a young fox’s adventures and dreams. 

Marije Tolman’s unique mixed-media illustrations are incredible. Using photos she took of Dutch dunes and woods, she created risograph prints (similar to screen printing). Then, she drew on them in gouache, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pen, ink and chalk. Cool, huh? 

Fox versus Fox by Corey R. Tabor

Have an emerging reader in your house? Corey Tabor’s “Fox” books are a must! 

From the publisher’s website: “Carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and whimsical illustrations, Fox versus Fox is ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.” 

^^ I wholeheartedly agree with their marketing! 

Shibu’s Tail by Tess Thomas & Kamwei Fong

I know, I know. Shibu is NOT a fox; Shibu is a cat.  But, Shibu has a fox-like tail and I simply couldn’t wait to share Shibu’s Tail with you. I predict this newly published (2025) book will become a beloved classic in no time.

Shibu has BIG feelings.  Shibu’s tail expresses those big feelings. Shibu helps readers (young and old!) learn that feelings – “good” and “bad” – are best when shared. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.