The Fox in the Library

PreS-Gr 1—A fox chases a clever mouse into a library. Fox has never been in one before, which allows Mouse to teach him a little bit about the mysterious building while distracting him from his previous intention. Fox is intrigued by the idea of reading and borrowing books, leaving immediately with a volume about a farmer and chickens. Mouse tries to show him that borrowing books is a privilege, but Fox does what he wants, and he leaves without getting a library card. He returns with a chicken in his mouth, wanting to research the dangers of chicken bones. After some more confusing escapades, including a scene in which Mouse begins to practice magic tricks, Fox and Chicken become friends and begin reading together. The tale suffers from choppy dialogue and a meandering plot. The loose, soft illustrations are dark and lackluster, and the pages with black text on red background are difficult to read.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA