Shadow Fox
on Goodreads (65)
What’s inside...
Bee’s family runs a lakeside inn, offering rest and sustenance to weary travellers. Bee’s Nan has gone missing, possibly drowned, but Bee knows that can’t be true. And so does the hungry fox that her grandmother was feeding. Shadow is cross that her supply of salmon has dried up and is determined to do something about it. Soon both fox and child are on an adventure to find Nan, uncover what’s happening to all the secret islands on the Great Lake and learn just how far magical powers can take you. A beautiful story of loss and belonging, told through the eyes of a wild, affectionate, prickly fox who has a love of collecting shoes and not a small amount of magic, from the bestselling author of I, Cosmo.
Age
9-11
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Shadow Fox was feeling when he began his journey?
How did the friendships Shadow Fox made along the way change his adventure?
Why is it important to help others, as Shadow Fox did in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Shadow Fox’s place?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a city instead of a forest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the characters’ challenges and victories, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and empathy as seen in the book, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child might face.
Use reflective listening when discussing the book with your child to show that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
After reading, you might ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book and explain why they chose it, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Shadow Fox,' the protagonist interacts with various animals and learns to understand their perspectives, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering the feelings of friends and family, promoting a more compassionate and understanding approach to relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The journey of the Shadow Fox involves facing numerous challenges bravely, teaching children the value of courage in overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, be it trying out for a sports team, or speaking in front of their class, thereby boosting their confidence.
Example Lesson: The Power of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The story's exploration of new environments demonstrates the benefits of curiosity and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore their own world, ask questions, and seek new knowledge, vital skills for their educational growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for Nature
Explanation: Through interactions with the natural world, 'Shadow Fox' teaches about the importance of protecting our environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be conscientious about the environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Shadow Fox' work together to navigate challenges, underlining the importance of teamwork and supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperative play and teamwork, helping them to build stronger relationships and succeed in collaborative settings.