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Wild Fox: A True Story
The author recounts the year when she befriended--but never tamed--a young red fox who had injured one leg in a trap, a leg which he eventually lost
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 5, 2011
I sure wish I'd had this book in hand when I volunteered to work to ban steel jawed traps in my state. It brings a personality to the barbarity.
I love foxes! I hate steel jawed traps! This is a lovely true story about an injured wild fox and a woman (the author) who tended to him but also let him stay wild. (I do worry a bit that his trust in humans might be his ruination one day though.)
I was as awe inspired as the author about their developing relationship, of the trust that builds.
Thank goodness I got some chuckles over the fox’s human food treats because reading about his injury was highly disturbing, as was feeling concerned about his future.
Because the author does some research about foxes to satisfy her curiosity as she gets to know Vicky the fox (who never seems to get the name thing, thank goodness) the reader is treated to a delightful bunch of fascinating facts about foxes.
Highly recommended to most and appalled that this book is not more widely known by Goodreads’ members, or at least not rated and reviewed much by them. I have to assume it’s because it’s an old book, but it’s well worth finding and reading or rereading, and rating/reviewing here at Goodreads. (Thank you, Abigail!) Parents should know that Vicky’s extremely severe foot injury and its aftermath are described in gruesome detail.
I appreciate that on the inside front cover there is a photograph of a fox and I assume that’s Vicky. Just gorgeous! The rest of the pictures are illustrations and they’re really lovely. I love how the pictures alternate between full page and miniature size. They’re all eye catching and all beautifully complement this true story.
Really special, and I felt a vicarious pleasure while reading about Vicky and about Vicky and the author.
Vicky seems well able to take care of himself, but sensitive people, myself included, are going to leave this book wondering about how his life evolved and the circumstances of his eventual fate.
This is one of those picture books that’s equally as suitable for adults and teens as it is for children.
I love foxes! I hate steel jawed traps! This is a lovely true story about an injured wild fox and a woman (the author) who tended to him but also let him stay wild. (I do worry a bit that his trust in humans might be his ruination one day though.)
I was as awe inspired as the author about their developing relationship, of the trust that builds.
Thank goodness I got some chuckles over the fox’s human food treats because reading about his injury was highly disturbing, as was feeling concerned about his future.
Because the author does some research about foxes to satisfy her curiosity as she gets to know Vicky the fox (who never seems to get the name thing, thank goodness) the reader is treated to a delightful bunch of fascinating facts about foxes.
Highly recommended to most and appalled that this book is not more widely known by Goodreads’ members, or at least not rated and reviewed much by them. I have to assume it’s because it’s an old book, but it’s well worth finding and reading or rereading, and rating/reviewing here at Goodreads. (Thank you, Abigail!) Parents should know that Vicky’s extremely severe foot injury and its aftermath are described in gruesome detail.
I appreciate that on the inside front cover there is a photograph of a fox and I assume that’s Vicky. Just gorgeous! The rest of the pictures are illustrations and they’re really lovely. I love how the pictures alternate between full page and miniature size. They’re all eye catching and all beautifully complement this true story.
Really special, and I felt a vicarious pleasure while reading about Vicky and about Vicky and the author.
Vicky seems well able to take care of himself, but sensitive people, myself included, are going to leave this book wondering about how his life evolved and the circumstances of his eventual fate.
This is one of those picture books that’s equally as suitable for adults and teens as it is for children.
December 28, 2019
A moving and immensely beautiful record of the year that author Cherie Mason befriended a wounded fox - the victim of a steel-jaw leg-hold trap, he showed up outside her home on Deer Isle, Maine, one day - Wild Fox is a poignant examination of the relationship, both harmful and helpful, between humans and wildlife. It is also just a fascinating story of a most unusual experience! As Cherie Mason asks at the beginning of her narrative: "Have you ever touched the nose of a wild red fox?" responding: "I have."
Textually dense, Wild Fox is a non-fiction picture-book that would be best for upper elementary school students and above - those who are at the chapter-book level, I think - although younger children with a good attention span might also enjoy it. The artwork by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen, done in soft shades and natural colors, is simply lovely, perfectly capturing the sense of enchantment that is to be found in this story of a brief but meaningful encounter between members of two species. As a fox lover, I was close to tears at points, reading this book, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Textually dense, Wild Fox is a non-fiction picture-book that would be best for upper elementary school students and above - those who are at the chapter-book level, I think - although younger children with a good attention span might also enjoy it. The artwork by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen, done in soft shades and natural colors, is simply lovely, perfectly capturing the sense of enchantment that is to be found in this story of a brief but meaningful encounter between members of two species. As a fox lover, I was close to tears at points, reading this book, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
September 6, 2021
A beautiful story of a woman and an injured wild fox.
He appears on day in her back yard, one of his front legs injured by a steel leg-hold trap. Without even thinking about it, the author takes some chicken out to the yard, then scurries back inside to see if he'll take it. He does, and thus begins a fascinating relationship.
This isn't a cutesy story where the fox becomes a tame pet, but one of careful balance between ensuring the health and well being of an animal, yet making sure he still remains "wild."
The illustrations by Joellen McAllister Stammen are gorgeous.
This is a book worth owning.
He appears on day in her back yard, one of his front legs injured by a steel leg-hold trap. Without even thinking about it, the author takes some chicken out to the yard, then scurries back inside to see if he'll take it. He does, and thus begins a fascinating relationship.
This isn't a cutesy story where the fox becomes a tame pet, but one of careful balance between ensuring the health and well being of an animal, yet making sure he still remains "wild."
The illustrations by Joellen McAllister Stammen are gorgeous.
This is a book worth owning.
August 29, 2013
Instead of a sappy happy, human overcomes wild animals instincts story, this is a true encounter with a charming fellow that appears, and disappears at will.
it's told from the human's point of view, of course, but it is far from a fairy tale or fable.IT is a lovingly told history of a timid and tentative dance between a wild animal and the human, desperate to make contact.
when the fox returns one time, obviously wounded, the human resists the urge to " save " the animal, provides food, but lets nature take its course, and is truly rewarded.
beautiful illustrations, and lightly written, well worth the read.
it's told from the human's point of view, of course, but it is far from a fairy tale or fable.IT is a lovingly told history of a timid and tentative dance between a wild animal and the human, desperate to make contact.
when the fox returns one time, obviously wounded, the human resists the urge to " save " the animal, provides food, but lets nature take its course, and is truly rewarded.
beautiful illustrations, and lightly written, well worth the read.
July 20, 2024
A very sweet little tale of trust and love.
July 6, 2017
Beautiful drawings, great story, and a lesson I pray many people learn about the horror of steel-jaw leg-hold traps. I wish everyone who ever set one down got trapped in it first.
We've had too much experience by the ill-informed setting them near our farm with the wrong animal getting trapped who should never experienced that pure hell in their life. "Oh, I didn't mean for a tame animal to get trapped and hurt." Oh? But these weapons do not discriminate.
We've had too much experience by the ill-informed setting them near our farm with the wrong animal getting trapped who should never experienced that pure hell in their life. "Oh, I didn't mean for a tame animal to get trapped and hurt." Oh? But these weapons do not discriminate.
April 22, 2019
Nonfiction
3rd-5th grade
I really enjoyed this take on a nonfiction book. It was more of a story about a fox and some facts that you learn along with the story. The author explains her encounter with the fox with great detail and excitement. I can imagine what it was like to be there alongside the author, taking care of the little fox and the feelings she felt about the fox.
3rd-5th grade
I really enjoyed this take on a nonfiction book. It was more of a story about a fox and some facts that you learn along with the story. The author explains her encounter with the fox with great detail and excitement. I can imagine what it was like to be there alongside the author, taking care of the little fox and the feelings she felt about the fox.
November 30, 2018
nice story
February 13, 2022
Nuanced and long; not for the littlest. The author carefully reports how she tried to make sure the fox stayed wild, but also gave in to her inclination to love it a bit too much. Gorgeous art.
May 17, 2024
Lovely. An experience we'd all love to have.
January 11, 2017
Sweet story.
8-12
8-12
September 20, 2016
Very sweet story with great artwork.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews