The Fox and the Star: Coralie Bickford-Smith

Found a copy of this book when it was first published, and immediately bought three copies, suggesting to my local Waterstones that they publicise it bdcause it is so brilliant. And magically that happened this Christmas (nothing to do with my recommendation I'm sure!). Wonderful fable, based on emotional truth. That seems seems such a simple task for a writer, but it is one which requires a lot of skill to pull off successfully. A truly beautiful book, which gives the lie to the argument that books can be replaced by electronic readers. This book is a beautiful object. It feels as though it has been designed with love and care. I love its traditional binding, the quality of the paper, the clever use of colour - even the thread used to bind the book's sections is orange, the same colour as the eponymous Fox. What makes this book a classic in my opinion is that children will respond emotionally to the story, to its emotional clarity as well as to its visual appeal. And these qualities are all equally appealing to parents. That's the key to a great kids' book - make the parents like it too!

I have no kids of my own, so I always struggle for gift ideas for friends and families when they have kids! I have now bought this book for several of my nieces and nephews and close friends kids and they all love it!The hardback edition is lovely and the art style is really engaging.

An exquisite book to treasure. Bought as special present for my 4yr old niece, and I hope she will find a love of books develop from delights such as this. Possible the most beautiful book I have ever seen. The story is poignant but ultimately hopeful, and the illustrations are utterly luscious and yet capturing something of the raw beauty that is nature. Stunning in every detail; high quality paper and binding. Buy it!!!

Personally I think this is suitable for all ages. Beautiful book, beautiful story, beautifully illustrated.Actually bought it for myself and I am 63!

This is our son's favourite book. Visually we think it is stunning. The artwork is part of what I think sets it apart. Quasi-abstract linear prints set in an equally vibrant and dark immersive autumnal setting.Fox is mysterious and vulnerable. You travel with him through a journey of abstract friendship, loss and ultimately self discovery. The language and artwork are so different to other Donldson-esq books. It's prose is more akin to more archaic literature but it's by no means inaccessible for young minds.I think it's genuine individuality is what captivated the mind of my son and the friends he has shared it with.

Beautifully illustrated book. Bought the hardback version for my 3yo nephew, my sister loved it. IMO opinion the story was a bit dull but I have no idea what would appeal to a 3yo. Lovely book for a nursery book case and makes a great gift. I recommend getting the hardback version for a quality feel to complement the illustrations.

The first thing I was struck by was the beauty of the illustrations and the book itself, but on reading it I was swept away by the deceptively simple tale of the protagonist coming to terms with his loss.I'm in awe of what the author has done here, melding classical book design and illustration to take the reader on a fable-like journey. It's a true work of art, and offers a moral lesson that we should all take to heart.

I always read reviews and this book appeared lovely. And then normally I get and think the reviews don't live up to the boak or is it me ? I purchased for my 8yr old dslexic son ..Not too much wording and magnificent pictures..the pictures are lovely my son is crazy a about foxes and animals. I especially loved the hardback cover.. if there's a option between papper back and hardback GO HARDBACK ..it really finishes book.Also this story comes with a morral ...positive..beautfiul book def.Going to make a beautiful keepsake book for him to read himself ... x

The illustrations are creative. The story is inventive yet it shares a crucial lesson I hope we all learn. Its a great book and one that will stay on my shelf for years to come. Cheers and thank you!

Es un libro hermoso con hermosas ilustraciones que vale la pena leer, con una portada resistente.

Historia apaixonanteUma historia doce e cativanteCon certeza atingiu minhas expectativasRecomendo a todos,não so as criançasEsperando o segundo livro

Un libro realmente bello por debtro y por fuera. La historia sin ser nada nuevo esta bien y las ilustraciones no dejan de sorprender cada vez que pasas las paginas. Lo conpre para mi hija pero de momento esta en mi biblioteca.

Achat compulsif également pour moi, suite à une critique élogieuse sur la traduction française. Mais j'aime bien lire les livres dans la langue d'origine lorsque cela m'est possible. Et puis les éditeurs français n'ont pas jugé bon de publier le livre en version reliée...Cette édition est non seulement magnifique, histoire et illustrations, mais aussi très soignée et son prix est très raisonnable pour sa qualité.