Gon, the Little Fox
- Subject
- Animals - Foxes
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Museyon
- Size
- 23.9 cm × 21.1 cm
- ISBN
- 9781940842035
Winner of:
2016 USSB Outstanding International Book
In this retelling of Nankichi Niimi’s masterpiece, delicate watercolors bring to life the mischievous yet kind-hearted spirit of Gon, the Little Fox. Readers should proceed with caution as they begin this tale, however, especially as Gon is sure to win over their hearts. Like many Japanese folktales, Gon, The Little Fox does not exactly end happily; a circumstance which will inspire lively and provocative conversation among young readers. When readers first meet Gon, he is relishing his life as a rascally fox. Each day brings a new opportunity for him to stir up trouble in Nakayama. One day, however, he feels remorse for having killed an eel that was meant for the poor villager Hyoju’s dying mother. Ironically, it is this rare moment of conscience that leads Gon down a path that leads to his fate. As with all great folktales, the world of Gon, The Little Fox is both extremely familiar and extremely mysterious. This quality, as evident in both the text and illustrations, will greatly appeal to readers, both young and old.
2016 USSB Outstanding International Book
In this retelling of Nankichi Niimi’s masterpiece, delicate watercolors bring to life the mischievous yet kind-hearted spirit of Gon, the Little Fox. Readers should proceed with caution as they begin this tale, however, especially as Gon is sure to win over their hearts. Like many Japanese folktales, Gon, The Little Fox does not exactly end happily; a circumstance which will inspire lively and provocative conversation among young readers. When readers first meet Gon, he is relishing his life as a rascally fox. Each day brings a new opportunity for him to stir up trouble in Nakayama. One day, however, he feels remorse for having killed an eel that was meant for the poor villager Hyoju’s dying mother. Ironically, it is this rare moment of conscience that leads Gon down a path that leads to his fate. As with all great folktales, the world of Gon, The Little Fox is both extremely familiar and extremely mysterious. This quality, as evident in both the text and illustrations, will greatly appeal to readers, both young and old.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
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What reviewers said
"It’s a lengthy text. Picture book manuscripts today seem to be shrinking in size, and this one is a commitment to read—though worth the time."
"This poignant tale will resonate with older readers, who will empathize with the struggles of a lonely outsider. Teachers will also appreciate the glimpse into Japan's rich culture"
"A beloved story of Japan, Gon, The Little Fox, is a beautifully illustrated book with a definite Japanese touch . . . . The tale provides parents an opportunity to discuss with their child issues of sadness and loss, among others."
"The sad ending is often a shock to young readers, however many social lessons are taught through the story: instances when you hurt someone without knowing, when a relationship goes wrong from miscommunication, as well as the meaning of life."
"A popular modern folktale by a beloved Japanese author is retold in English . . . Mita’s softly textured watercolor illustrations are reminiscent of traditional Japanese artwork."
"You see this fox and his moral development and it really is just amazing to read . . . I would definitely suggest it for an older elementary audience because it is a little more complex than the typical children's picture book."
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