Mungo on his own

Burgess (Fireworks) and Benbassat (Tove Under the Tree) spotlight the mix of experiences and feelings that accompany early forays into independence throughout this empathic story about a fox kit's inaugural solo outing. On a late-autumn night, bushy-tailed fox Mungo gets a hunger for red berries, and, "though the forest was dark/ and the berry bush far away," his mother agrees he can forage alone. At first, the outing brings various frights, but Mungo strengthens his resolve by recalling lessons ("how to cross the creek,/ how to blend in with the underbrush") imparted by his mother over the summer. Soon, the creature's mouth is stained red with berry juice, and he's frolicking in the season's first snow before a return home yields maternal pride and cuddles. Alternating immersive full-bleed spreads with vignettes framed by berry-laden branches, soft, digitally colored pencil-and-charcoal renderings build out the work's changing mood. Occasional onomatopoeia additionally enhances the story's emotional aspects (swooping owls' "Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" prove frightening; a snowy "swoosh" accompanies a frolic through pillowy hillsides of downy snow) throughout this warmly triumphant journey. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Jan.)

A youngster learns to forage by himself. Mungo and his mother, a pair of adorable, big-eyed foxes, share a warm den in the forest. Red berries are on Mungo's mind, and his mother agrees that it's time for him to search for them on his own. Setting off for the faraway berry bush, the little fox encounters creeping sounds, icy water, a beast "with flashing eyes" (readers will identify it as a car), and a twisted thorn thicket seemingly filled with spooky faces. Mirrors for his feelings, Mungo's yellow eyes and shivering orange fur pop against the dark, immersive forest illustrations. He almost turns tail and returns to his den, but a change in mindset pushes him to continue, and at last, he accomplishes his tasty goal. His night journey demonstrates that bravery and fear often walk side by side and reminds readers to draw strength from existing knowledge and memories of happier times. Nature shares a surprise wintry first to celebrate Mungo's perseverance, and youngsters will join in the joyful acknowledgement of growth and pride. Burgess' soft text poetically reflects Mungo's ups and downs, potentially sparking conversations about his emotions--or how a child might feel in Mungo's paws. Benbassat's illustrations adeptly convey big feelings like fear; sensitive readers may find some spreads a bit frightening. Youngsters will fall for this cute little fox on his exciting journey of courage and growth.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.