Fox Goes North is the beautifully illustrated final book by children’s author Jeremy Strong.
I am partial to reading children’s fiction now and then. As an adult, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with enjoying a wide range of literature and sometimes it’s nice to just relax and enjoy something a little easier. That being said when a book like Fox Goes North comes along I get excited to have found one of those rare gems that transcends different age groups and becomes a wonderfully, beautiful story for anyone and everyone.
Not only is the hardback version of the book stunning with the most adorable artwork by Heegyum Kim inside but the story itself holds even more meaning and magic when you realise the very real story of Jeremy Strong behind it. Fox Goes North was actually published posthumously however whilst writing it, Strong did reveal in an interview that as he was writing the story of a fox’s final journey, he became aware that he was writing the story of his own journey too. Two months before the book was released, Jeremy Strong died from bone cancer.
What is Fox Goes North About?
Fox has always had the ability to see messages in plants and flowers. When she sees something in the petals, she’s forced to admit something she already knew. But when she sees a strange house on wheels trundling towards her, she suddenly senses that her journey should be with the weird and wonderful animals that occupy the house.
The caravan is pulled by a quiet and thoughtful moose, a powerful and wise bear heads up the team and a theatrical toucan keeps them all on the right track with his magnetic beak. Fox soon finds herself among friends as she dazzles them with her cooking but when she learns they are going to visit the Northern Lights she can’t think of anything better.
Along the way, Fox, Moose and Bear are joined by an energetic young Llama who teaches them all a thing or two about family and an argumentative yet caring little owl. Together they encounter many ups and downs and learn what it truly means to help others, listen to one another and appreciate the importance of art, music and books (with a healthy dose of Fox’s homemade shortbread along the way!).
But the longer the journey goes on, the weaker Fox becomes and the group sense the importance of reaching the Lights sooner rather than later. Underneath the magic of the Northern Lights, the group must support one another through their most heartbreaking loss and understand what it’s like to say goodbye to someone you love.
Book Review for Fox Goes North
This was such a beautiful little story that tackles the themes of grief and loss in the most perfect way for children. That being said reading this as an adult doesn’t mean the book loses its magic and poignancy. Knowing the backstory of Jeremy Strong writing this while he knew he would die from cancer adds an extra layer to it that makes the story even more meaningful.
The illustrations in this book are stunning and perfectly complement the story. They’re all done in blue to represent the journey north and the Northern Lights so the colourful editions on the dust jacket and the naked hardcover for Fox are a subtle little tribute to the animal.
Aside from the subjects of loss and grief, the book has some nice little lessons on leadership, found family, friendship and acceptance of others without it being too in your face or preachy. As an adult, reading these things in children’s books can feel a little on the nose at times however this story got the balance just right. Accessible lessons for children while not detracting from the story for adults.
At first, it seems like all the importance is placed on just reaching the Northern Lights but as the story progresses it unfolds to become more about the journey itself and what it brings to each of the animals. It adds a little bit more depth to the other characters rather than it just all being about the Fox.
The ending of the book is left open to interpretation, or at least that’s the way I saw it, but not in a frustrating way. I liked that you could look at the new fox as being a relation of Fox or perhaps a reincarnation. It was a clever yet simple way to acknowledge different thoughts and beliefs about death. It also perhaps encourages children to develop their own thoughts on the subject too.
Overall, Fox Goes North was a wonderful little book. Reading it as an adult it won’t take you long to get through at all but it is thoroughly enjoyable. It’s also a wonderful novel to read with a child. The artwork inside is definitely worth taking some time to appreciate too.
Will you be reading Fox Goes North? What other children’s books have you enjoyed as an adult? Let me know in the comments.
Save this!
