Quick Look
- A longer picture book story presented in short chapters, ideal for readers aged six and up
- Sharply written, with a wry tone that moves from cosy and humorous to spooky and back again
- Gorgeously illustrated with lots of clever details, like shadows and reflections that tease Fox's transformation into a scuffling monster
- Encourages children to be appreciative, compromise and share their worries
- From the acclaimed creator of Finding the Way to Faraway Valley
When generous Fox begins to resent his selfish neighbour a slightly spooky transformation takes place. The Wind in the Willows meets the Brontes in this beautiful and unusual picture book.
Description
"Fox opened the first page of a book. Mole settled cosily, spilling cookie crumbs everywhere. This was how it always was in autumn.
'The Legend of the Scuffling Monster,' read Fox. 'Once upon a time...'"
Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing.
As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform...
Can Mole recognise what's wrong and fix things before it's too late?
This humorously hair-raising gothic tale, told in four chapters, is perfect for older picture book lovers to curl up with on long, dark evenings.
Reviews
'A cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it... An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!'
-- Literary Potpourri
Author
Cecilia Heikkila is a Swedish graphic designer, author and illustrator. She was awarded The Selma Lagerlof Society's prize for children and YA literature in 2024. Cecilia is the creator of several acclaimed picture books, including Finding the Way to Faraway Valley and The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole. She lives in Dalarna, Sweden with her dog, Mochi.
