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Shadow Fox
Bee’s family runs a lakeside inn, offering rest and sustenance to weary travellers. Bee’s Nan has gone missing, possibly drowned, but Bee knows that can’t be true. And so does the hungry fox that her grandmother was feeding. Shadow is cross that her supply of salmon has dried up and is determined to do something about it. Soon both fox and child are on an adventure to find Nan, uncover what’s happening to all the secret islands on the Great Lake and learn just how far magical powers can take you…
A beautiful story of loss and belonging, all told through the eyes of a wild, affectionate, prickly fox who has a love of collecting shoes and not a small amount of magic. From the bestselling author of I, Cosmo.
A beautiful story of loss and belonging, all told through the eyes of a wild, affectionate, prickly fox who has a love of collecting shoes and not a small amount of magic. From the bestselling author of I, Cosmo.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2024
13 people are currently reading
4088 people want to read
About the author
Carlie Sorosiak
12 books294 followersCarlie Sorosiak is the bestselling author of I, COSMO, as well as two novels for young adults, IF BIRDS FLY BACK and WILD BLUE WONDER. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @carliesorosiak.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 7, 2024
Shadow Fox by Carlie Sorosiak
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Published on the 11th of April 2024
Shadow Fox is a charming and magical story, told from the foxes perspective. You follow Shadow, a wild fox, and Bee, a young girl, on their incredible journey as they try to save nature.
There are various themes running through this book, one being the special bond between a grandparent and their grandchild. The love and connection of Bee and her nan creates a beautiful, caring, and heartwarming relationship.
Another theme that runs through this story is how we are responsible for the nature around us. The need for us to nurture it and protect it from those who want to destroy it.
Shadow Fox is an enchanting tale full of magic, mystery, and most of all, hope. How we should believe in ourselves and stand up for what is right. This story took me back to being that little girl who used to sit on her window sil at night and read, get lost in the magic of great storytelling.
This is a beautiful, charming, and uplifting story that I would not only recommend children to read but for us adults too, who want to be taken back to their childhood, when nothing else mattered but the love of a delightful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the opportunity to read this book.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Published on the 11th of April 2024
Shadow Fox is a charming and magical story, told from the foxes perspective. You follow Shadow, a wild fox, and Bee, a young girl, on their incredible journey as they try to save nature.
There are various themes running through this book, one being the special bond between a grandparent and their grandchild. The love and connection of Bee and her nan creates a beautiful, caring, and heartwarming relationship.
Another theme that runs through this story is how we are responsible for the nature around us. The need for us to nurture it and protect it from those who want to destroy it.
Shadow Fox is an enchanting tale full of magic, mystery, and most of all, hope. How we should believe in ourselves and stand up for what is right. This story took me back to being that little girl who used to sit on her window sil at night and read, get lost in the magic of great storytelling.
This is a beautiful, charming, and uplifting story that I would not only recommend children to read but for us adults too, who want to be taken back to their childhood, when nothing else mattered but the love of a delightful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the opportunity to read this book.
March 17, 2024
Beatrice’s family run a lakeside inn. Nan, her grandmother, is a wise constant in her life. Bea is not the only one who relies on Nan’s generous spirit: a hungry, shoe-hoarding fox, is also a frequent visitor for fish suppers. One day, Nan vanishes, leaving Bea’s and the fox’s lives upended. And so, a quest begins to bring back Nan. There’s also magic. Lots of magic.
I loved the foxy narrator. Shadow (also sometimes known as Fox Beatrice for reasons that will become clear when you read) has such a cheeky personality and since she reveals her every thought, she’s easy to connect with despite being a fox! She is difficult-partly due to the nature of foxes; partly born out of mistrust - her cynical view of humans is deeply rooted and as more is revealed, very understandable. She is sharp-witted, funny and, at times, cutting!
Shadow’s human counterpart, Bee, provides such an interesting contrast: emotionally open, relentlessly positive when faced with Shadow’s reticence and obstructiveness. And so, through her patience and gentleness, (human) Bea helps Shadow trust again and become so much more, but can she fulfil her destiny?
Lots of themes run through this novel, including friendship, loyalty, conservation of nature, and loss. And they are encountered in interesting, beautiful ways.
In my opinion, Shadow Fox has ingredients that could make it exceptional but the sometimes overly complex prose keep it from quite reaching its potential.
Where does this complexity arise? I’ll try to describe. We have a first person narrator, with an interior monologue (so almost a sub-narrative) and then a second character who can also understand and interact with this internal monologue. Sound complex yet? Add in the need to world-build, dialogue and fairly complex plotting and you can see what a difficult task the author had! And she nearly pulls it all off.
I think seasoned young readers of fantasy will have the stamina to cope with the challenges the narration presents in order to enjoy the intricate characterisation and story.
I read this book thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow. Publishes 11th April.
I loved the foxy narrator. Shadow (also sometimes known as Fox Beatrice for reasons that will become clear when you read) has such a cheeky personality and since she reveals her every thought, she’s easy to connect with despite being a fox! She is difficult-partly due to the nature of foxes; partly born out of mistrust - her cynical view of humans is deeply rooted and as more is revealed, very understandable. She is sharp-witted, funny and, at times, cutting!
Shadow’s human counterpart, Bee, provides such an interesting contrast: emotionally open, relentlessly positive when faced with Shadow’s reticence and obstructiveness. And so, through her patience and gentleness, (human) Bea helps Shadow trust again and become so much more, but can she fulfil her destiny?
Lots of themes run through this novel, including friendship, loyalty, conservation of nature, and loss. And they are encountered in interesting, beautiful ways.
In my opinion, Shadow Fox has ingredients that could make it exceptional but the sometimes overly complex prose keep it from quite reaching its potential.
Where does this complexity arise? I’ll try to describe. We have a first person narrator, with an interior monologue (so almost a sub-narrative) and then a second character who can also understand and interact with this internal monologue. Sound complex yet? Add in the need to world-build, dialogue and fairly complex plotting and you can see what a difficult task the author had! And she nearly pulls it all off.
I think seasoned young readers of fantasy will have the stamina to cope with the challenges the narration presents in order to enjoy the intricate characterisation and story.
I read this book thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow. Publishes 11th April.
March 11, 2024
Shadow Fox tells the story of Bee, a young girl who lives in a motel by the lake with her mother and Nan, until one day, Nan isn’t there. The fox she was feeding isn’t happy that her fish supply has stopped and isn’t sure of this young girl who isn’t Nan. Finding themselves inexplicably drawn to each other, the story takes our heroes across the lake to a magical island in search of Nan. Is Nan still alive? What is happening to the secret islands of the lake? And is there more to the fox than meets the eye? Told from the fox’s viewpoint, this magical tale of friendship, loss and the natural world is a great fit for fans of Erin Hunter and the Warrior Cats series.
I especially loved that the story is told from the fox’s point of view. She is wary of humans, obsessed with food (and shoes) and entirely believable as a wild creature, albeit a magical one! She is definitely the star of the book; the reasons for her quirks and obsessions becoming plain as we discover her back story and making us empathise all the more. Her obsession with food is laugh out loud at times and we quickly become drawn to this outwardly prickly but emotionally deep character.
In contrast, the character of Bee’s mother seems unnecessary to the story as she never makes an appearance and I think could easily be cut. Also, except for Bee and her Nan who I loved, I found the other characters to be very flat-we don’t find out much about them and just appear in the story with no explanation of who they are. However, when we remember that a fox is telling the story, it becomes much more believable- she is an animal and has no interest in these other humans who have no bond with her. Her world is focused solely on the things she loves.
I also thought the magical elements lacked little warning of their arrival. They also suddenly appear in the story, taking us from a realistic natural environment at beginning, to a story of magic and prophecies in a short space of time. I have to say this caught me off guard a bit as I wasn’t expecting it to be a fantasy novel and was surprised with where the story took us; into the realm of prophecies and ‘chosen ones’. However, I love a good fantasy story and the nature twist made it unique for me.
One of the main themes of the book is the natural world and our duty of care and I found the author’s descriptions to be both heart-breaking and beautiful. The fox describes the world as she experiences it and makes us think anew about the beauty of nature and how we treat the planet. Overall, I would recommend the book to middle grade readers with an interest in nature, a love of animals and who like a bit of magic!
I especially loved that the story is told from the fox’s point of view. She is wary of humans, obsessed with food (and shoes) and entirely believable as a wild creature, albeit a magical one! She is definitely the star of the book; the reasons for her quirks and obsessions becoming plain as we discover her back story and making us empathise all the more. Her obsession with food is laugh out loud at times and we quickly become drawn to this outwardly prickly but emotionally deep character.
In contrast, the character of Bee’s mother seems unnecessary to the story as she never makes an appearance and I think could easily be cut. Also, except for Bee and her Nan who I loved, I found the other characters to be very flat-we don’t find out much about them and just appear in the story with no explanation of who they are. However, when we remember that a fox is telling the story, it becomes much more believable- she is an animal and has no interest in these other humans who have no bond with her. Her world is focused solely on the things she loves.
I also thought the magical elements lacked little warning of their arrival. They also suddenly appear in the story, taking us from a realistic natural environment at beginning, to a story of magic and prophecies in a short space of time. I have to say this caught me off guard a bit as I wasn’t expecting it to be a fantasy novel and was surprised with where the story took us; into the realm of prophecies and ‘chosen ones’. However, I love a good fantasy story and the nature twist made it unique for me.
One of the main themes of the book is the natural world and our duty of care and I found the author’s descriptions to be both heart-breaking and beautiful. The fox describes the world as she experiences it and makes us think anew about the beauty of nature and how we treat the planet. Overall, I would recommend the book to middle grade readers with an interest in nature, a love of animals and who like a bit of magic!
December 28, 2024
What did you like about the book? A fox lives alone in the woods on the outskirts of Grand Marais, Minnesota, near the shore of Lake Superior. The fox understandably does not trust humans, especially after the disappearance of her mother and sister following some clearcutting by a man with a yellow machine. But the cold of winter and an empty belly leads the fox to Nan, an old woman who lives at a motel and feeds the fox bits of fish and allows her to sleep on her porch. After getting shooed from her den inside a barn (where she has created a cozy nest out of pilfered shoes), she goes to visit Nan, and finds instead a red-headed girl wearing Nan’s sweater, and a fantastic adventure begins. The girl is Nan’s beloved granddaughter, Bee, and she tells the fox that Nan has gone missing. Bee and the fox quickly recognize that they have a strange mystical connection; they can feel it in their bellies and each can understand the other’s thoughts.
They are visited by a man named Stew, who seems to know where Nan is, and claims that he needs their help. Stew brings them by boat across the lake and through a ‘portway’ to the island of Whistlenorth. Formerly a natural haven full of magical and unusual animals, Whistlenorth and other surrounding islands have found their magic depleted due to the actions of the Night Islanders. These terrible neighbors have stolen and distilled the magic from these islands to strengthen their own powers, and consequently all the ground is hard rock, as plants and animals are dying off. Although readers may initially believe that Bee is the ‘chosen one’ foretold in the book of Whistlenorth, it is soon clear that the fox (now called Shadow) is the magical entity. Once on the island, her patchy fur is restored, things turn green, and the island’s birds return. Nan is there too, she instantly grows fond of Bee and Shadow but doesn’t remember them or their life on the mainland. Nan wants to train the fox to use her magic before the Night Islanders attack to steal their remaining magic. Shadow learns how to summon objects such as teaspoons and a favorite stuffed toy from her den, conjures an army of foxes out of fog and snow, and creates a magical bird that goes everywhere with her. Even as the fox continues to resist bonding with the human girl, she feels more strongly the need to save her, as well as the island, and she is proudly confident that only a cunning fox can figure out how to do both. But when the Night Islanders reveal their true power, Shadow soon sees that her strength comes not just from her cleverness and magical abilities, but also from the love between her and Bee.
Shadow Fox is an exciting fantasy for animal lovers and environmentalists, narrated by Shadow in a voice that is both witty and poignant. Deeply grieving the loss of her family, and struggling to survive the Minnesota winter, she is stubborn in her resolve to face the future alone. She is reluctant to get involved with the residents of Whistlenorth, human or avian, but begins to realize that helping them might help heal her own heart as well as the habitat. Descriptive language helps set the scene in both the realistic mainland and the magical island settings, and readers will enjoy the various animals. Good vs. evil is clearly delineated; the Night Islanders are sufficiently scary and ominous with their metal cage helmets topped with animal skin hats, foul breath, and cruel voices, while the folks on Whistlenorth are quirky, friendly, and nature-loving. Despite all the action and magic of the narrative, it is still Shadow’s connection with Bee, who is herself a little wild and solitary, that forms the core of the story and will strongly appeal to readers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
They are visited by a man named Stew, who seems to know where Nan is, and claims that he needs their help. Stew brings them by boat across the lake and through a ‘portway’ to the island of Whistlenorth. Formerly a natural haven full of magical and unusual animals, Whistlenorth and other surrounding islands have found their magic depleted due to the actions of the Night Islanders. These terrible neighbors have stolen and distilled the magic from these islands to strengthen their own powers, and consequently all the ground is hard rock, as plants and animals are dying off. Although readers may initially believe that Bee is the ‘chosen one’ foretold in the book of Whistlenorth, it is soon clear that the fox (now called Shadow) is the magical entity. Once on the island, her patchy fur is restored, things turn green, and the island’s birds return. Nan is there too, she instantly grows fond of Bee and Shadow but doesn’t remember them or their life on the mainland. Nan wants to train the fox to use her magic before the Night Islanders attack to steal their remaining magic. Shadow learns how to summon objects such as teaspoons and a favorite stuffed toy from her den, conjures an army of foxes out of fog and snow, and creates a magical bird that goes everywhere with her. Even as the fox continues to resist bonding with the human girl, she feels more strongly the need to save her, as well as the island, and she is proudly confident that only a cunning fox can figure out how to do both. But when the Night Islanders reveal their true power, Shadow soon sees that her strength comes not just from her cleverness and magical abilities, but also from the love between her and Bee.
Shadow Fox is an exciting fantasy for animal lovers and environmentalists, narrated by Shadow in a voice that is both witty and poignant. Deeply grieving the loss of her family, and struggling to survive the Minnesota winter, she is stubborn in her resolve to face the future alone. She is reluctant to get involved with the residents of Whistlenorth, human or avian, but begins to realize that helping them might help heal her own heart as well as the habitat. Descriptive language helps set the scene in both the realistic mainland and the magical island settings, and readers will enjoy the various animals. Good vs. evil is clearly delineated; the Night Islanders are sufficiently scary and ominous with their metal cage helmets topped with animal skin hats, foul breath, and cruel voices, while the folks on Whistlenorth are quirky, friendly, and nature-loving. Despite all the action and magic of the narrative, it is still Shadow’s connection with Bee, who is herself a little wild and solitary, that forms the core of the story and will strongly appeal to readers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
January 31, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars
Review
“What does a fox do when she has lost everything? Lost her family, lost Nan, lost Bee.”
Shadow Fox by Carlie Sorosiak is the story of a hungry, lean, prickly fox Shadow who has other names too. You will discover ‘what’ & ‘why’ as you read for telling everything at the start ruins it all, says the fox who boasts that stories with foxes in them are good. Wild, wily, swift and with magic in her, Shadow is the ‘chosen one’ for the big task of saving islands that are fast dying from the threat of The Night Islanders. She has to find Nan, the kind, old woman who fed her fish every night who disappears suddenly. She has to rescue Beatrice, Nan’s young granddaughter with whom she shares a strong connection. Orphaned after the loss of her mother and sister, annoyed at the ways of the human world, it's Nan and Bee who slowly Kindle Shadow’s faith in human beings; and she couldn't see them in danger.
Told from a fox’s POV, Shadow Fox is a beautiful story of the bond a granddaughter and grandmother, an animal and a human being share. Shadow is just not an anthropomorphic element here but truly ‘foxy’. Set around the islands close to Lake Superior, this thrilling adventure & fantasy ride for young readers has an urgent message - the need to conserve the landscape so as to keep the ‘scape’ within us intact, how each one of us is accountable to nature around us.
In delivering the message however, the brilliance is felt in flashes. The language is a little complex & the narrative hard to get into until the book’s first half, the boundary between magic & real a blur, the dialogue intensive portions between Bee & Shadow confusing with the girl and the fox able to read each other's minds. In fact, so close is their connection that it reminded me of ‘rescue distance’ in Samanta Schweblin’s Fever Dream. So persevere, until the magic is felt : Shadow Fox is a good read, a welcome change from healing cats, faithful dogs and mice in labs and kitchen.
Review
“What does a fox do when she has lost everything? Lost her family, lost Nan, lost Bee.”
Shadow Fox by Carlie Sorosiak is the story of a hungry, lean, prickly fox Shadow who has other names too. You will discover ‘what’ & ‘why’ as you read for telling everything at the start ruins it all, says the fox who boasts that stories with foxes in them are good. Wild, wily, swift and with magic in her, Shadow is the ‘chosen one’ for the big task of saving islands that are fast dying from the threat of The Night Islanders. She has to find Nan, the kind, old woman who fed her fish every night who disappears suddenly. She has to rescue Beatrice, Nan’s young granddaughter with whom she shares a strong connection. Orphaned after the loss of her mother and sister, annoyed at the ways of the human world, it's Nan and Bee who slowly Kindle Shadow’s faith in human beings; and she couldn't see them in danger.
Told from a fox’s POV, Shadow Fox is a beautiful story of the bond a granddaughter and grandmother, an animal and a human being share. Shadow is just not an anthropomorphic element here but truly ‘foxy’. Set around the islands close to Lake Superior, this thrilling adventure & fantasy ride for young readers has an urgent message - the need to conserve the landscape so as to keep the ‘scape’ within us intact, how each one of us is accountable to nature around us.
In delivering the message however, the brilliance is felt in flashes. The language is a little complex & the narrative hard to get into until the book’s first half, the boundary between magic & real a blur, the dialogue intensive portions between Bee & Shadow confusing with the girl and the fox able to read each other's minds. In fact, so close is their connection that it reminded me of ‘rescue distance’ in Samanta Schweblin’s Fever Dream. So persevere, until the magic is felt : Shadow Fox is a good read, a welcome change from healing cats, faithful dogs and mice in labs and kitchen.
February 29, 2024
I, Cosmo captured lots of readers attention with the story of a retriever trying to save a family from falling apart.
Carlie Sorosiak has written another story in which the main character is an animal - this time a fox called Shadow.
Shadow befriends an elderly lady (Nan)who feeds him and to whom he grows attached - but one day she vanishes.
Shadow is then confronted by a man with a young girl called Beatrice( Bea) the old lady's granddaughter ; within a short time he is captured by them but for a reason. Strange things are happening at a nearby lake- fish are disappearing and soon Shadow discovers that he and Bea have more in common then he could ever have imagined- they can telepathically communicate..
Unknown to Bea and Shadow ,a history book has foretold that the island on the lake and all around will have its natural environment removed leading to extinction but a 'chosen one' has been selected to save it; the chosen one being Shadow.
So begins a battle for survival with Bea and Shadow working together against the Night Islanders...will they succeed? And can they also bring Bea's nan home too?
This is very much a fantasy story and is quite surreal in many ways ;the relationship between the main characters is really good as their connection and friendship moves between animosity to recognising they need each other. The plot moves between the drama and survival of the island and Shadow reflecting on his past and sad events.
This is a story that will appeal to readers 9+ who enjoy animal stories but also fantasy based adventures too. It’s also a story about saving the environment .Not as immediately, easy to get into as I, Cosmo but still a good read
Carlie Sorosiak has written another story in which the main character is an animal - this time a fox called Shadow.
Shadow befriends an elderly lady (Nan)who feeds him and to whom he grows attached - but one day she vanishes.
Shadow is then confronted by a man with a young girl called Beatrice( Bea) the old lady's granddaughter ; within a short time he is captured by them but for a reason. Strange things are happening at a nearby lake- fish are disappearing and soon Shadow discovers that he and Bea have more in common then he could ever have imagined- they can telepathically communicate..
Unknown to Bea and Shadow ,a history book has foretold that the island on the lake and all around will have its natural environment removed leading to extinction but a 'chosen one' has been selected to save it; the chosen one being Shadow.
So begins a battle for survival with Bea and Shadow working together against the Night Islanders...will they succeed? And can they also bring Bea's nan home too?
This is very much a fantasy story and is quite surreal in many ways ;the relationship between the main characters is really good as their connection and friendship moves between animosity to recognising they need each other. The plot moves between the drama and survival of the island and Shadow reflecting on his past and sad events.
This is a story that will appeal to readers 9+ who enjoy animal stories but also fantasy based adventures too. It’s also a story about saving the environment .Not as immediately, easy to get into as I, Cosmo but still a good read
August 13, 2024
A fox's adventure comes to life and digs deep in a tale full of magic, hope, and the wonder of friendship.
The fox is hungry, but the human, who often gives it a fish, hasn't appeared for several days. Instead, a girl, her granddaughter, has taken her place. The fox is anything but a fan of humans but can't deny the odd connection it shares with this girl. It even seems to experience her dreams. But then, the two share more than the fox first believes and soon join together on a search to find the missing woman. Their journey will take them beyond what they first can see as the magic of the lake and area unfold.
The author does a wonderful job at bringing the fox to life by allowing it to tell the tale from its point of view. The thoughts are clear and understandable, while holding just the right amount of clever personality to let sympathy grab hold. It's fear of humans gains depth as more about the fox's past comes to light, and that while Bee, the young girl, accompanies the fox and gains its trust little by little through her calmer, more open personality. It's a beautiful balance and allows their special friendship to blossom and bloom. All along there's enough secrets, magic, tension, and even a bit of humor to make the scenes grab and the plot flow.
There are messages surrounding loss, friendship, loyalty, and the respect for nature. This last one breathes through most of the story and mixes with the magic to form an enchanting atmosphere. The entire read holds an almost lyrical feel, which will connect better with some readers than others. Animal tale fans are sure to find themselves drawn into the magical mix and will find much to enjoy.
The fox is hungry, but the human, who often gives it a fish, hasn't appeared for several days. Instead, a girl, her granddaughter, has taken her place. The fox is anything but a fan of humans but can't deny the odd connection it shares with this girl. It even seems to experience her dreams. But then, the two share more than the fox first believes and soon join together on a search to find the missing woman. Their journey will take them beyond what they first can see as the magic of the lake and area unfold.
The author does a wonderful job at bringing the fox to life by allowing it to tell the tale from its point of view. The thoughts are clear and understandable, while holding just the right amount of clever personality to let sympathy grab hold. It's fear of humans gains depth as more about the fox's past comes to light, and that while Bee, the young girl, accompanies the fox and gains its trust little by little through her calmer, more open personality. It's a beautiful balance and allows their special friendship to blossom and bloom. All along there's enough secrets, magic, tension, and even a bit of humor to make the scenes grab and the plot flow.
There are messages surrounding loss, friendship, loyalty, and the respect for nature. This last one breathes through most of the story and mixes with the magic to form an enchanting atmosphere. The entire read holds an almost lyrical feel, which will connect better with some readers than others. Animal tale fans are sure to find themselves drawn into the magical mix and will find much to enjoy.
March 14, 2024
I was so excited to read this book, as I loved the author previous book 'always, Clementine ' which I recommend to everyone.
This books tale, however, is told from them the point of view of a fox, a very lonely fox who has lost her mother and sister due to the actions of inconsiderate humans. She trusts one human and one human alone, and that is Nan. But Nan is missing. Turns out she's not the only one missing Nan, Beatrice (aka Bee) is also missing her. There is a strange, inexplicable bond between girl and fox, finding they can almost understand one another at times, so they set off to try and find Nan.
This leads to a magical adventure where they discover the foxes true powers, using them to defend the people and animals of some mysterious islands.
Overall it's a very intriguing story. I don't think it was what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed this oddly magical tale.
Sadly it didn't live up to the expectations of 'always, Clementine ' which was just a perfect little book. But I still think this is worth a read, it's full of chilly magic sure to delight!
This books tale, however, is told from them the point of view of a fox, a very lonely fox who has lost her mother and sister due to the actions of inconsiderate humans. She trusts one human and one human alone, and that is Nan. But Nan is missing. Turns out she's not the only one missing Nan, Beatrice (aka Bee) is also missing her. There is a strange, inexplicable bond between girl and fox, finding they can almost understand one another at times, so they set off to try and find Nan.
This leads to a magical adventure where they discover the foxes true powers, using them to defend the people and animals of some mysterious islands.
Overall it's a very intriguing story. I don't think it was what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed this oddly magical tale.
Sadly it didn't live up to the expectations of 'always, Clementine ' which was just a perfect little book. But I still think this is worth a read, it's full of chilly magic sure to delight!
February 26, 2024
This is the delightful tale of the unexpected relationship that develops between a young girl and a wild fox who are drawn into an uneasy alliance by their mutual longing to find the girl's missing grandmother.
When Bee's Nan disappears from the inn providing hospitality services that is run by her family, Nan is assumed to have drowned. But neither Bee nor Shadow, the fox that Nan has been feeding, are willing to take this news lying down.
Their search for Nan not only brings the two of them closer, it also takes place against the magical, atmospheric backdrop of the Great Lakes.
This is a gorgeous story for animal lovers, as well as those who treasure the experience of a special bond with a special grandparent. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
When Bee's Nan disappears from the inn providing hospitality services that is run by her family, Nan is assumed to have drowned. But neither Bee nor Shadow, the fox that Nan has been feeding, are willing to take this news lying down.
Their search for Nan not only brings the two of them closer, it also takes place against the magical, atmospheric backdrop of the Great Lakes.
This is a gorgeous story for animal lovers, as well as those who treasure the experience of a special bond with a special grandparent. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2025
Extremely lyrical and metaphorical. I felt the same way I did when I read Where the Wild Things Are for the first time. It is filled with magic, all kinds of environmental respect, and magic like a blooming flower, a bird's nest. Congratulations to the author for an amazing and consistent novel told from the perspective of a fox. In magic realism, the fox is more of a granddaughter, and a granddaughter has a wild heart. Very beautiful. Still, this prose is filled with action, nonstopping.
The fox's voice is emotional and strong; her way of dealing with loss, fear, loss of memory, aging, denial, grief, being open to letting others in, and hoarding precious treasures that will keep the memories of others alive is precious and relatable. Adults will read it with a sadder tone and will love it.
The fox's voice is emotional and strong; her way of dealing with loss, fear, loss of memory, aging, denial, grief, being open to letting others in, and hoarding precious treasures that will keep the memories of others alive is precious and relatable. Adults will read it with a sadder tone and will love it.
October 31, 2024
This is a wonderful and charming story! This story is full of magic, mystery, hope and friendship, bonds and the many different kinds of bonds and connections! The story is told from Shadow Fox's point of view and it really does give the readers a chance to see the world and nature from a different perspective! This is a wonderful story and great for our young readers who enjoy animals, magic, mystery, adventure and nature! Thank you Walker Books US and Carlie Sorosiak for sharing this book with me!
October 28, 2025
This book has a magical fox and little girl who have to fight the evil people who are taking away all of the magic. Can they learn to work together? Can they stop the evil people before they can take the magic for themselves? Can a wild fox learn to trust humans? It is all answered in this sweet little novel about friendship and trust winning the day.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
February 23, 2024
This was gorgeous. I loved Shadow so much. She was gorgeously brave, fierce and calm. She fought with ferocity. Her and Bee are going to be forever friends. I love how this dealt with dangers to our environment. And how magic can be in the little things we do. We should be protecting our environment, not ruining it. Carlie Sorosiak has such a gorgeous way with stories about animals.
March 5, 2024
This is an intriguing and heartwarming story about a friendship and connection between a girl and a fox. The author has a very distinctive writing style that is both easily recognisable and accessible to children. I love all her previous books and this one is no exception. It is a book perfect for sharing in class.
March 25, 2024
A charming middle grade novel that explores magic, the environment and the importance of family. Told from the perspective of a small vixen, the world is a nasty place. Through the powers of friendship, Shadow and her young companion Bea must save the world from a darkness that is swallowing all of nature’s magic.
A beautiful ode to wild - in people, in animals and in nature.
A beautiful ode to wild - in people, in animals and in nature.
April 3, 2024
Shadow Fox is a beautiful book about magic and friendships.
Nan feeds the fox, but when she disappears, Bee comes to help fox. They don’t know where she gone or if she’s ok, but fox’s magic will help.
A lovely children’s book that will open their imagination and find magic and nature in books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
Nan feeds the fox, but when she disappears, Bee comes to help fox. They don’t know where she gone or if she’s ok, but fox’s magic will help.
A lovely children’s book that will open their imagination and find magic and nature in books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
March 26, 2025
Magic abounds when Bee can understand Shadow the fox and vice versa, a magical connection
They go with to Stew to find her grandmother and defeat the night islanders who are draining magic from the islands in Lake Superior in Minnesota
“Kids they have an innate understanding of animals, something that the adults lose.” pg85
Bittersweet twist at the end
They go with to Stew to find her grandmother and defeat the night islanders who are draining magic from the islands in Lake Superior in Minnesota
“Kids they have an innate understanding of animals, something that the adults lose.” pg85
Bittersweet twist at the end
March 31, 2024
What a delightful heartwarming book. We follow Bee in search of her lost Grandmother helped by Shadow the fox (looking for the Grandma who feeds him fish). I'm pretty sure that I enjoyed this book as much as the children did, probably more.
May 23, 2024
I like the book because it’s about a fox who is magical and it makes me laugh.
October 9, 2024
Really wonderful middle grade read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
did-not-finish
February 21, 2025DNF'd.
Nothing wrong with the book just too kiddish for my interests. Might try to read again someday.
Nothing wrong with the book just too kiddish for my interests. Might try to read again someday.
February 25, 2025
I typically lovvvve Carlie Sorosiak’s books and Shadow Fox is another 5-star read! Many lovely phrases, and the growing relationships, made me smile so much. An absolute delight.
June 3, 2025
What a charming, heartwarming story! Truly embraces the magic of nature and its furry and feathered inhabitants.
June 29, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Sorosiak always writes an excellent book from an animals perspective, whether it's realistic, like I, COSMO, or more fantastical, like LEONARD, MY LIFE AS A CAT. This was a bit more like LEONARD. I loved the lakeside setting. This would be a great choice for fans of Vitalis' COYOTE QUEEN, Pennypacker's PAX, or Appelt's MAYBE A FOX.
Sorosiak always writes an excellent book from an animals perspective, whether it's realistic, like I, COSMO, or more fantastical, like LEONARD, MY LIFE AS A CAT. This was a bit more like LEONARD. I loved the lakeside setting. This would be a great choice for fans of Vitalis' COYOTE QUEEN, Pennypacker's PAX, or Appelt's MAYBE A FOX.
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