California/Tessa on Her Own (Self-Esteem Children's Book)

by Alyssa Chase

While her brothers and sisters learn to stalk, chase, and pounce- Tessa lies half asleep under a blackberry bush, waiting for lunch to be served. Then one day, big brother Rex decides it is time Tessa started hunting for herself. "You can't be a lazy fox forever," he tells her. Tessa doesn't like to be told what to do. So with her bright tail dragging in the dust, she strikes off to life on her own. Tessa soon discovers, however, that the life of a scavenger is not easy. And when she has to spend a scary night in a smelly garbage dumpster, she decides she is better off doing what foxes do naturally- hunting for dinner. Tessa's tale takes place in the Ojai Valley of southern California's coastal mountains. From the rough chaparral of the Topa Topa bluffs to the wildflower fields and orange groves of the valley below, illustrator Itoko Maeno has recreated the beauty of one of California's most scenic locations. And in addition to her perfect depictions of the elusive red fox, she has rendered a charming supporting cast of wildlife- playful field mice, a deer, an unfriendly coyote, and a bandit raccoon with her laughing lips. Alyssa Chase's story has the straightforward charm of a fable- classic statement in praise of industry for today's child.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[1000springs]

Beautiful illustrations.

[Terry]

Go to the Reading Tub for the full review.