Title: The Fox and the Star
Author: Coralie Bickford-Smith
First published August 27, 2015
80 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143108672 (ISBN10: 0143108670)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith is a charming fable about the power of friendship, bravery, and overcoming loss. The story follows a lone Fox and the guiding light of the Star that leads him through the dark and ominous forest.
With the help of Star’s illuminating rays, Fox lives a life of adventure, running with rabbits and dancing in the rain. But everything changes when Star disappears, leaving Fox lost and alone in the darkness.
To find his missing friend, Fox embarks on a journey full of wonder, courage, and unexpected friendships. Inspired by the beauty of the Arts and Crafts movement and the legendary William Blake, this heartwarming tale is brought to life by Bickford-Smith’s stunning illustrations.
The Fox and the Star is a captivating story that will inspire readers of all ages to keep searching for the light, even in the darkest of times.
About the Author
After studying Typography and Graphic Communication at Reading University, Coralie Bickford-Smith now works in-house at Penguin Books. Her book covers have received recognition and awards from AIGA (NY) and D&AD (UK), and have been featured in various international magazines and newspapers such as The New York Times, Vogue, and The Guardian.
Her work with Penguin Classics for the clothbound series has gained worldwide attention and pays homage to the Victorian era bindings and a golden age of bookbinding.
Editoral Review
The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith is a beautifully illustrated novel that weaves themes of friendship, loss, and love into an enchanting tale. Coralie Bickford-Smith, a senior cover designer for Penguin Books, has crafted a stunning and memorable debut novel that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
The book centers around a fox, who lives in a forest, and his friendship with a star. The star guides the fox throughout the forest at night, but one day it disappears, leaving the fox lost and alone.
The fox sets out on a journey to find the star and, along the way, learns about himself and the world around him. The illustrations are intricate and delicate, rendering the forest and its inhabitants with a realistic and ethereal quality.
Bickford-Smith’s work is reminiscent of classic children’s literature, such as Beatrix Potter and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, yet it speaks to a contemporary audience with its subtle lessons about life’s challenges. Despite its fantastical elements, the book’s themes of grief, loneliness, and seeking out guidance are universally human, and the author has masterfully presented them in a way that will resonate with readers.
The story is well-paced and full of surprises, taking readers on a journey filled with adventure and emotion. The character development is subtle but powerful, as we watch the fox grow and mature throughout the story.
The book also includes beautiful quotes and illustrations that capture the essence of friendship and connection, making it an ideal book to read either alone or with a loved one. While not without its flaws, The Fox and the Star is a beautiful work of art that stands as a testament to the power of literature to connect us with ourselves and the world around us.
The writing and illustrations are masterful, and the themes explored are timeless and relevant. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and heartfelt story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, I would give The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its enchanting story and beautiful illustrations. While the book is not perfect, it is an impressive debut novel that will undoubtedly leave readers moved and inspired.
