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Reynard the Fox: Tales from the life of Reynard the Fox
"A collection of folktales at their absolute best" ( Elizabeth Bird, SLJ.com) about a legendary scoundrel, brought to new life through Renate Raecke's lively retelling and Jonas Lauströer's expressive illustrations .
Reynard the Fox has been a staple trickster character of European literature since at least the Middle Ages. The tales of his schemes have been told many times, and he always manages to win readers' sympathies. Reynard is a rascal, a ne'er-do-well. While we may suffer from his pranks, at the same time we smile at the shrewd thinking through which he escapes hopeless situations. In this expertly retold version, the classic tales of Reynard's exploits find a new life. They speak to us now as much as ever, for who among us doesn't know a Reynard-like figure in our lives?
Reynard the Fox has been a staple trickster character of European literature since at least the Middle Ages. The tales of his schemes have been told many times, and he always manages to win readers' sympathies. Reynard is a rascal, a ne'er-do-well. While we may suffer from his pranks, at the same time we smile at the shrewd thinking through which he escapes hopeless situations. In this expertly retold version, the classic tales of Reynard's exploits find a new life. They speak to us now as much as ever, for who among us doesn't know a Reynard-like figure in our lives?
80 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 15, 2020
The art in this retold tale is extraordinarily detailed and dense with rich colors and emotional tones. The story telling is polished and classical, with far more text than is typical of picture books these days. It could serve as an excellent transition into tales of the era, as well as offering rich vocabulary and turns of phrase.
The clever Reynard is a complex character who could serve as a model for readers who are transitioning to complex novels and unreliable narrators.
The clever Reynard is a complex character who could serve as a model for readers who are transitioning to complex novels and unreliable narrators.
February 10, 2021
Raecke combines stories of the wily character of fables and medieval folk tales, Reynard the Fox. The story is told in (mostly) alternating spreads of text and full bleed illustrations, with a font that mimics handwriting. At Whitsun when peace is supposed to reign for all animals, Reynard is summoned to the court of Noble the lion to answer to various complaints of ill treatment. Isegrim the wolf, Chanticleer the rooster, Pardel the panther and Lampe the hare all tell stories of being cheated and betrayed. Only Grimbert the badger defends the fox, and reminds the court that an animal has three chances to appear in defense of their acts. Bruin the bear and Tybalt the cat each try to bring Reynard in, but are tricked as well. Finally Grimbert manages to convince the wily fox to appear. Reynard then charms the king, queen and the court, and all charges are dropped. Of course, as he returns home, he kills a few young ducks for his family’s dinner, and the reader is left smiling in the knowledge that Reynard the fox is never done with his trickery.
Stunning artwork that is full of drama, action and realistically drawn animals reinforce the text nicely. It’s fun to see realistically drawn animals with clothes on, like those in Jerry Pinkney’s tales. An afterword explains the history of the cunning fox character throughout history, from Aesop’s Fables of antiquity to Goethe’s 18th century epic verse.
This may be a translation (I can’t confirm this), which may explain why the text is occasionally awkward to read.
Stunning artwork that is full of drama, action and realistically drawn animals reinforce the text nicely. It’s fun to see realistically drawn animals with clothes on, like those in Jerry Pinkney’s tales. An afterword explains the history of the cunning fox character throughout history, from Aesop’s Fables of antiquity to Goethe’s 18th century epic verse.
This may be a translation (I can’t confirm this), which may explain why the text is occasionally awkward to read.
July 8, 2023
3.5
I do not share the author's tolerance of the rogue fox, but the illustrations in this story are gorgeous and the text, while exasperating, offers opportunities to discuss behavior and consequences and justice.
The king invites all the animals to court for a day of peace and justice. Reynard the fox has not only failed to show, but has harassed and assaulted various animals on their way. Many animals raise their voices in complaint, but all accused deserve a chance to defend themselves, so several animals are dispatched to bring Reynard to account for himself. Because he tells a good story and is very charming, and because his victims are not perfect themselves, Reynard escapes all justice and ends with a promotion.
In truth, it is a sad commentary on how charm and spin and "both-sidesing" can blind the eyes of justice and society and result in further troubles for those who don't tell as pretty of a tale, or aren't as dashing to look at, or who have their own flaws. It calls to mind the penchant for victim-blaming so often practiced by media and society at large (but what was she wearing, they should have made better choices, he should just get a job). It was disheartening to see the fox wiggle and dance his way out of trouble after causing so much grief and pain. And yet, that is a situation that occurs all too often in reality.
I do not share the author's tolerance of the rogue fox, but the illustrations in this story are gorgeous and the text, while exasperating, offers opportunities to discuss behavior and consequences and justice.
The king invites all the animals to court for a day of peace and justice. Reynard the fox has not only failed to show, but has harassed and assaulted various animals on their way. Many animals raise their voices in complaint, but all accused deserve a chance to defend themselves, so several animals are dispatched to bring Reynard to account for himself. Because he tells a good story and is very charming, and because his victims are not perfect themselves, Reynard escapes all justice and ends with a promotion.
In truth, it is a sad commentary on how charm and spin and "both-sidesing" can blind the eyes of justice and society and result in further troubles for those who don't tell as pretty of a tale, or aren't as dashing to look at, or who have their own flaws. It calls to mind the penchant for victim-blaming so often practiced by media and society at large (but what was she wearing, they should have made better choices, he should just get a job). It was disheartening to see the fox wiggle and dance his way out of trouble after causing so much grief and pain. And yet, that is a situation that occurs all too often in reality.
February 26, 2021
When the animals gather at court to complain about Reynard the fox, the king wants to see him. He's done some pretty terrible things, but it's only fair that he is allowed to answer for himself. But when the bear fails to bring him back, and is injured in the attempt, and the cat is nearly killed trying to do the same, the king sends Reynard's friend the badger. But if Reynard comes to court, can he get himself out of this mess, too?
Jonas Laustroer's illustrations are fantastic, expressive and so well presented - the personification of the animals is amazing. The story is a bit violent for a picture book, and the format (facing pages of text, then facing pages of illustration) makes it difficult to read to someone, it would work much better as an independent read for an older reader. I liked the author's note at the end which talks about the history of these stories.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Jonas Laustroer's illustrations are fantastic, expressive and so well presented - the personification of the animals is amazing. The story is a bit violent for a picture book, and the format (facing pages of text, then facing pages of illustration) makes it difficult to read to someone, it would work much better as an independent read for an older reader. I liked the author's note at the end which talks about the history of these stories.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
April 7, 2024
This is a creative retelling of Reynard, the fox's adventures, framed in the story of other animals complaining about the fox to the Lion king.
The illustrations are works of art, just like the narrative; they are not sanitized for a young audience.
The author's note at the end is an excellent summary of Reynard's history throughout literary history.
The illustrations are works of art, just like the narrative; they are not sanitized for a young audience.
The author's note at the end is an excellent summary of Reynard's history throughout literary history.
Want to Read
June 5, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 4, 2021
A fascinating and engaging read. This book would be ideal for independent readers who enjoy classic stories and gorgeous illustrations.
February 13, 2021
Beautiful illustrations with clever prose. Definitely to be shared.
February 20, 2021
Beautifully illustrated
March 1, 2021
Beautiful book of folktales not familiar to many modern Americans. The illustrations are downright haunting.
April 10, 2021
These stories are intense! Not recommended for younger kids. That said, the illustrations are *chef's kiss*
February 4, 2024
I enjoyed this but Reynard playing dead was to much for my son...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews