Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A fox enjoys reading mysteries. He wants to become a famous detective like the ones in his books. One day, on his way to the library, he discovers that the apples in his favorite tree are missing. Fox finally has a real mystery to solve. Trukhan uses folk art-style illustrations filled with geometric shapes to create scenery and other assorted items. Bold primary colors lend a playful look and feel and give the forest friends a warm and jovial feeling. Each character's speech is presented in text of a different color. This feature makes it easy for young children to differentiate narration from dialogue. The book has a pleasing balance of predictability and surprise. The illustrations offer clever hints about the mystery's conclusion without giving it away. Fox embraces and openly expresses his curiosity toward the happenings around him. VERDICT A sweet read-aloud choice that encourages children to explore the world around them.-Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Fox loves to read, especially mysteries, and he also loves apples. Someday he hopes to be a famous detective like the ones in his favorite books, but he needs a case to solve. Every night Fox wished that something mysterious would happen. But nothing ever did. Nothing at all. Meanwhile, a double-page-spread illustration shows that something mysterious is indeed happening while Fox sleeps. The next day, he finds that the tree by his house--the one from which he gathers apples on his daily trip to the library--has been picked clean, and he methodically sets about solving the case. While Fox hunts for clues and interviews witnesses (I was asleep, declares the worm in an apple on the ground), he overlooks potential leads that viewers have opportunities to observe. With clean backgrounds, simple shapes, and bright autumnal colors, the illustrations depicting Foxs domain are full of entertaining details, including pictures of famous literary detectives framed on Foxs wall and objects from Foxs house that show up throughout the story, as well as important clues to notice that will empower readers and listeners to solve the mystery before Fox does. Ending appropriately with a woodland birthday party and an apple pie, this cheery tale introduces the conventions of the mystery genre to the youngest sleuths. julie roach (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Quirky and inviting illustrations grab readers' attention in this picture book about a crime-solving little fox. The little red fox likes to read detective stories. Every day he rides his bicycle past an orchard to the library. All day long, he eats apples and gobbles up mysteries. When the apples in the orchard go missing, Fox is excited to finally solve a mystery! With a confident hand, Trukhan creates geometric illustrations with a two-dimensional, color-filled vibe that is reminiscent of IKEA children's toys come to life. The pages have an attractive lime-yellow hue that helps all the characters and trees pop off the page. And the apple endpapers? Merchandisable. In another nifty, graphic tweak, dialogue is rendered in colored type keyed to characters; Fox's is teal, to match his hat. The plot, unfortunately, falls short of the illustrations, enough to make readers wonder if a wordless version of this book would provide a more interesting solution. The mystery of the missing apples lacks urgency or conflict, making the resolution (a surprise party featuring apple pie) less than engaging. It detracts from the winning illustrations and gives the book the feel of a wobbly, three-legged stool. For those drawn to the pictures instead of the story, it is an inquisitive romp through a gentle forest. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
