Fox and Squirrel. Ruth Ohi. Toronto, ON: Northwinds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2013. 32 pp., hardcover, $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4431-1914-6. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7. Review by Jane Whittingham. *** /4

excerpt:

“I like the day,” said Squirrel, “...and you like the night.”

“We both like sunsets,” said Fox.

Squirrel can only see the differences between himself and Fox. However, with the help of his cheerful, positive friend, Squirrel begins to realize how much they actually have in common. When their unusual friendship is challenged by skeptical Rat, Squirrel and Fox team up to show the world that even animals who seem completely different can be the best of friends.

     With its colourful, humorous illustrations and warm, simple prose, Ruth Ohi’s Fox and Squirrel is a charming picture book that gently delivers an important message. People, like the titular Fox and Squirrel, may seem very different, but these differences need not stand in the way of friendship. In fact, it is our differences that make us each so special.

      Ohi’s lively illustrations fill each spread with life and action, adding dimension to the limited text and bringing the characters vividly to life. The large, bold text, short, simple sentences and use of repetition make this a readily accessible text for beginning readers. Positive and uplifting, this is a picture book that delivers its moral with a light hand. In an increasingly multicultural world, Fox and Squirrel is a delightful way to open discussions of diversity with young children through the antics of a lovable animal duo.

Recommended.

Jane Whittingham is a student in the Masters of Library and Information Sciences Program at the University of British Columbia.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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