Coralie Bickford-Smith

I was initially drawn into reading this book by the fantastic cover design, but the story of a fox and his star that is contained within the book’s pages is absolutely wonderful as well. Told in the style of a fable, the story of a lone fox and his star is at first glance a simple parable about finding a new point of view, but like the fox’s newfound view of a sky full of stars the underlying themes are deeply complex and are sure to get any reader thinking. What struck me most was the show more mystery surrounding the friendship between the fox and the star. The fox is portrayed as a creature living out its natural life in the forest, but for whatever reason it relies on the star to provide light which elevates the star to the role of guide and companion. The star is not seen to speak to the fox (other beings and inanimate objects have voices in the fox’s forest, so I assume that the star also has this abiliity), but its physical disappearance from the sky results in more than just a lack of light in the forest. The fox is left alone, and even though there are clearly other animals in the forest that it could find companionship with it craves the return of its star. When the sky is finally revealed as being full of stars the fox is placated and finds comfort in knowing that it is surrounded by other beings even if its star is gone, but this conclusion leaves me with even more questions. The fox has seemingly returned to its happy state of being, but does it find true companionship with the other stars? Has the story become a larger metaphor for dealing with loss, or is it an ode to the unknowable nature of friendships (whether human or animal) and the strange personality found in the natural world?

Complementing the story is, of course, Bickford-Smith’s charmingly simple artwork. Her linework is deceptively simple, but the complexity of texture and careful balance of colour palette truly transforms this story into a work of art in theme and physicality. I just hope that the small-press nature of this book doesn’t deter libraries and buyers from adding this book to their collections, because I can see it stacking up against classic children’s books like Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are and Dr Seuss’ The Lorax in the long run. show less

The Fox and the Star is a charming little volume about friendship, loss, and deciding to find the strength to move on after that loss. The little fox loves his star, who lights the foxes way in the dark. Yet one day the foxes star disappears, and the fox is scared of the darkness and doesn't leave his burrow. Eventually the fox decides to be brave and face the unknown and discovers in his search that there are millions of stars to light his way.

The real beauty in this book is the physical show more book itself. Coralie Bickford-Smith (who designs multiple series of Penguin's publications such as the Drop Cap series) designed (and wrote) the book, and her artistry permeates throughout. From the cloth-bound hardcover to the solid color Arts & Crafts influenced illustrations to the typography, everything about the book is just lovely. show less

A book of astounding physical beauty with the most exquisite detail of an almost hidden orange thread binding the pages in the spine. The thick, creamy paper, on which the lovely illustrations of Coralie Bickford-Smith - familiar from her Penguin cover works - are printed, is heavenly to touch. I do wonder about the story that if the beetles had not stormed the fox's burrow, would he have had the courage to brave the darkness? Also, why did the fox had to be of any gender? But these are show more small nitpicks of an otherwise sublime book, suitable for all ages. show less

This is an absolutely gorgeous book that should definitely be judged by its cover. The illustrations by Coralie Bickford-Smith are strikingly beautiful, and the story itself is touching, heart-warming, and wistful. This books is available in both ebook format, and as a hardcover, and it would make an amazing gift in any format, but the hardcover might be the way to go for this one: illustrations of this quality and caliber do look their best in actual paper-format. Its a book that would work show more well for kids who are reading by themselves or with some help, and it also makes a lovely book for reading out loud. show less