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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I LOVE this book. The writing, the illustrations, even the pages themselves, all add to the experience of reading it! I love how the book manages to make a really unique reading experience by having some pages be darker colors. To me, it added more to the atmosphere and feeling of the book.
I also like how this book carefully balances out the horror/ tragedy of foxes living in the wild. With every winter, there is a spring, with every summer, a fall. And I feel like what really makes this book stand out is that it's similar to [b:Watership Down|76620|Watership Down (Watership Down, #1)|Richard Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405136931l/76620._SY75_.jpg|1357456] but with more of an emotional core. It more so focuses on the "humanity" that the foxes have, and that makes it so much easier to empathize with them. You relate to having to survive, and while you as a reader might not be surviving in the woods, you're still going through it. Whereas with [b:Watership Down|76620|Watership Down (Watership Down, #1)|Richard Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405136931l/76620._SY75_.jpg|1357456] that focuses more on the mythological/ spiritual aspect. This one focuses on the day to day lives of these foxes-- their fears, past, emotional baggage, etc.
The two main characters have distinct personalities that surprisingly go well together. And while they have moments where they fight, the way they solve these conflicts is realistic and well done.
Another thing this book offers is just really good worldbuilding? I know that sounds odd. But hear me out. I love how this book manages to create a language the foxes use. Instead of things like rabies, we get "the yellow" or instead of birds, and other animals, we get outlandish names that the foxes have created. We also get imagery that's foxed based (for the lack of a better word) for example, the sun isn't called the "sun" it's the bright orb in the sky, or we get scenes where certain foxes smell like plants, and those scents are family scents. Or we even get references to how foxes see the world, or interact with it, which I found really cool. It adds more to the story, and not only makes this book stand out, but also makes this book an interesting and unique read. I also like how the foxes are the heroes in the story, using their wits, compassion, senses, and other things, to escape situations.
But! While I love this book, I do have to say that the time period, and how some of the fantasy elements work are a bit confusing. As for the time period, I wish that clues had been put into place to indicate WHEN this book takes place. Whether that's clothes, houses, etc.
And, as for the fantasy aspects.. those were confusing. How were these animals suddenly able to understand this one human? Why? And do these creatures REALLY get their souls sucked out, or is that just a metaphor from the POV of the foxes?
Just... the whole Beatrix Potter thing really threw me off guard. I didn't really get HOW that worked within the story, and why it was put there? I admire the creativity of it, and I love how it portrays the horror of being caged, and not knowing what's happening, etc, but I just don't get some elements of it.
Now enough of the criticism, back to what I love. This book has amazing the main characters, their arcs throughout the story are amazingly written. You literally see the both of them growing up and having to face their fears and trauma. I loved how each character overcame their obstacles, and grew from it. Also, it's so sweet seeing these two foxes have each other's backs, plus, just the way their friendship grew into a romance is so sweet, and really well done! Ollie grows a back bone, and Mia learns to settle down, but not in a way that's forced or anything, but in a way that's essential to her character growth. Both characters achieve their goals and find happiness, just not in the way expected.
Just all in all, I love this book. It's perfectly spooky read, but also a charming one as well. I can't wait to read it again, and to read more works by this author!
I also like how this book carefully balances out the horror/ tragedy of foxes living in the wild. With every winter, there is a spring, with every summer, a fall. And I feel like what really makes this book stand out is that it's similar to [b:Watership Down|76620|Watership Down (Watership Down, #1)|Richard Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405136931l/76620._SY75_.jpg|1357456] but with more of an emotional core. It more so focuses on the "humanity" that the foxes have, and that makes it so much easier to empathize with them. You relate to having to survive, and while you as a reader might not be surviving in the woods, you're still going through it. Whereas with [b:Watership Down|76620|Watership Down (Watership Down, #1)|Richard Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405136931l/76620._SY75_.jpg|1357456] that focuses more on the mythological/ spiritual aspect. This one focuses on the day to day lives of these foxes-- their fears, past, emotional baggage, etc.
The two main characters have distinct personalities that surprisingly go well together. And while they have moments where they fight, the way they solve these conflicts is realistic and well done.
Another thing this book offers is just really good worldbuilding? I know that sounds odd. But hear me out. I love how this book manages to create a language the foxes use. Instead of things like rabies, we get "the yellow" or instead of birds, and other animals, we get outlandish names that the foxes have created. We also get imagery that's foxed based (for the lack of a better word) for example, the sun isn't called the "sun" it's the bright orb in the sky, or we get scenes where certain foxes smell like plants, and those scents are family scents. Or we even get references to how foxes see the world, or interact with it, which I found really cool. It adds more to the story, and not only makes this book stand out, but also makes this book an interesting and unique read. I also like how the foxes are the heroes in the story, using their wits, compassion, senses, and other things, to escape situations.
But! While I love this book, I do have to say that the time period, and how some of the fantasy elements work are a bit confusing. As for the time period, I wish that clues had been put into place to indicate WHEN this book takes place. Whether that's clothes, houses, etc.
And, as for the fantasy aspects.. those were confusing. How were these animals suddenly able to understand this one human? Why? And do these creatures REALLY get their souls sucked out, or is that just a metaphor from the POV of the foxes?
Just... the whole Beatrix Potter thing really threw me off guard. I didn't really get HOW that worked within the story, and why it was put there? I admire the creativity of it, and I love how it portrays the horror of being caged, and not knowing what's happening, etc, but I just don't get some elements of it.
Now enough of the criticism, back to what I love. This book has amazing the main characters, their arcs throughout the story are amazingly written. You literally see the both of them growing up and having to face their fears and trauma. I loved how each character overcame their obstacles, and grew from it. Also, it's so sweet seeing these two foxes have each other's backs, plus, just the way their friendship grew into a romance is so sweet, and really well done! Ollie grows a back bone, and Mia learns to settle down, but not in a way that's forced or anything, but in a way that's essential to her character growth. Both characters achieve their goals and find happiness, just not in the way expected.
Just all in all, I love this book. It's perfectly spooky read, but also a charming one as well. I can't wait to read it again, and to read more works by this author!
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Scary Stories for Young Foxes" is a very fun, inventive, cleverly-structured book of interlocking stories-within-a-story that I think most middle grade readers would really, actually enjoy. (Several of the middle grade books I have read recently seemed to me like they would appeal more to adult readers and prize committees than the actual intended audience.)
The premise is great: a group of seven fox kits want to hear scary stories; the "baby stories" their mom tells them are not spooky enough. So mama fox sends them to the old storyteller in Bog Cavern. As the storyteller regales them with a series of creepy, menacing, stressful, and sad stories about Mia and Uly, two abandoned kits, the original 7 kits peel off one by one to go back to mama and the safety of the den. The last kit hears the final story and has the satisfaction of seeing all the pieces come together.
I thought the writing in this book was excellent: beautiful descriptions of nature, entertaining and believable dialogue. And I loved how Heidicker presents the world through the perspective of foxes: a cage is grey branches that are mysteriously unbreakable; a human puts on different skins each day and repeatedly "bares her teeth" (smiles). The terrors in this book are also fox terrors: rabies, traps, hunting, cruel rival foxes, other predatory animals, and yet the effect to a human reader is still one of suspense, darkness and even horror. With that said, while the book is dark and even violent in places, it is not too dark for the middle grade set, imo. And not too scary for my own weenie self. But I will never look at Beatrix Potter the same way. 😳
If I have one complaint, it is that the pacing felt a bit off. The first two stories were by far the creepiest to me, and then the level of tension decreases as the stories intertwine and the plot becomes more vigorous. But I was entertained throughout and loved seeing how everything came together. Mr. Scratch and his brainwashed vixens were a different kind of horrible from the first two stories, and it was interesting and impressive that Heidicker was able to so capably address abuse through foxes.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different to read, who wants spooky without absolute terror, who loves foxes, or who has ever asked, "mom, tell me a scary story."
The premise is great: a group of seven fox kits want to hear scary stories; the "baby stories" their mom tells them are not spooky enough. So mama fox sends them to the old storyteller in Bog Cavern. As the storyteller regales them with a series of creepy, menacing, stressful, and sad stories about Mia and Uly, two abandoned kits, the original 7 kits peel off one by one to go back to mama and the safety of the den. The last kit hears the final story and has the satisfaction of seeing all the pieces come together.
I thought the writing in this book was excellent: beautiful descriptions of nature, entertaining and believable dialogue. And I loved how Heidicker presents the world through the perspective of foxes: a cage is grey branches that are mysteriously unbreakable; a human puts on different skins each day and repeatedly "bares her teeth" (smiles). The terrors in this book are also fox terrors: rabies, traps, hunting, cruel rival foxes, other predatory animals, and yet the effect to a human reader is still one of suspense, darkness and even horror. With that said, while the book is dark and even violent in places, it is not too dark for the middle grade set, imo. And not too scary for my own weenie self. But I will never look at Beatrix Potter the same way. 😳
If I have one complaint, it is that the pacing felt a bit off. The first two stories were by far the creepiest to me, and then the level of tension decreases as the stories intertwine and the plot becomes more vigorous. But I was entertained throughout and loved seeing how everything came together. Mr. Scratch and his brainwashed vixens were a different kind of horrible from the first two stories, and it was interesting and impressive that Heidicker was able to so capably address abuse through foxes.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different to read, who wants spooky without absolute terror, who loves foxes, or who has ever asked, "mom, tell me a scary story."
Loved this!!! Both my fiancée and I were pulled into the story.
Its not scary in the same sense as many books for kids this age, which is what I liked about it. I would describe it more as realsticallh chilling. :P It's realistic about nature and the many dangers a kit faces as they grow and develop in the wild. The part featuring Beatrix Potter was creative and slightly disturbing:P but in general, the author does a great job at being realistic but also including positive things humans can relate to like friendship, courage, and family.
I'm not a big fan of the scary genre, but this one gets five stars.
Its not scary in the same sense as many books for kids this age, which is what I liked about it. I would describe it more as realsticallh chilling. :P It's realistic about nature and the many dangers a kit faces as they grow and develop in the wild. The part featuring Beatrix Potter was creative and slightly disturbing:P but in general, the author does a great job at being realistic but also including positive things humans can relate to like friendship, courage, and family.
I'm not a big fan of the scary genre, but this one gets five stars.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced