The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter Spier - NO

Spier, Peter. The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, PICTURE BOOK, 2014. 17.99. Content: G. 

This book is a picture book version for the folk song of the same name. A fox goes out into the night to find a tasty meal for his fox family. He gets away with a goose and a duck and escapes to his home where his wife prepares the fowl and the family eats like kings. 

The illustrations in this book are stunning!  I’m not surprised that it is a Caldecott Honor Book. There are a few illustrations however, that I think might be somewhat disturbing to certain children. The song and pictures depict the fox biting the necks of the birds and then plucking them at home in his den. There is no blood and it’s not particularly violent, but I can just imagine a student being horrified by this. It’s really a shame because the pictures are so beautiful. Perhaps I’m being too cautious, but I err on the safe side. 

EL (K-3)- NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewed by: Shay, School Librarian