And Away We Go!

August 15, 2014
An urbane, adventuresome fox provides an evening's entertainment for an eclectic company in this nighttime escapade aloft. When his hot air balloon is delivered, Mr. Fox wastes no time. He opens the crate in the park and climbs into the basket under a starry sky, lighted skyscrapers all around. He plans to fly to the moon. His gradual ascent allows for an elephant, a giraffe and a rhino, some show-business squirrels and high-construction-worker rabbits to join him. They acquire provisions (pizza, some milkshakes)-and of course, as some children may anticipate, one passenger too many. The sparkling skyline and lighted streets are a sweet homage to New York and serve as a lively background to this cumulative journey. Marquees and lighted signs indicate the "Fox City" music hall along with several vintage record stores and other oddly enticing places. Some of the animals look a bit worried as the balloon's basket gets precariously more crowded, yet all seem to welcome each newcomer. Migy's cheerful, retro line with his bright-eyed animal characters and vivid colors against deep navy offer a feeling of familiarity. While the journey's end, not on the moon, is possibly unexpected, there's a sense of successful adventuring nevertheless. The mood is the same as a pajama storytime or a trip in the car just at bedtime-exciting yet contained and comforting. (Picture book. 2-5)

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August 1, 2014

PRES-GR 2-STAR-GAZING MR. FOX ACCEPTS AN EXCITING DELIVERY. "'HURRAY! MY HOT AIR BALLOON IS HERE. NOW I CAN FLY TO THE MOON! AWAY I GO!'" BUT EACH TIME HE TRIES TO TAKE OFF, a new friend asks to join him, and each one wants to bring something along. The agreeable Mr. Fox truly believes in the adage "The more the merrier" and acquiesces to each new suggestion with ease-Pizza? Sure. Milkshakes? You bet. Music, games, dancing? Absolutely! Of course, as the group in the basket grows, the balloon strings begin to fray, and keen-eyed readers will not be surprised when Mr. Fox and his pals are left stranded on the ground as the balloon shoots off toward the moon. "'Away it goes! Oh well, I'll go to the moon another time...'" muses the ever-optimistic Mr. Fox. "'It's much more fun to be here with my friends.'" The jaunty, sailor-suited fox has equally natty friends, with Elephant in a fedora and Giraffe in a bomber jacket. Overall, the illustrations have a fun, 1950s vibe without seeming old-fashioned. The dark colors of a shadowy night contrasted with the bright sherbet colors of the city add a distinct joie de vivre to the story. Hand-lettered signs, billboards, and marquees enhance the sense of adventure and possibility that the city holds. Stylish, jazzy, and unique, this is a great addition and would work well for storytime.-Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

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