The author is a science writer who, as mentioned in the book jacket, is also a children's author shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize, the Association for Science Education Book of the Year, and the blue Peter Book Award. I've not heard of these awards, and will be sure to research more about them.

This well-written, and lovingly illustrated book is the story of a mother fox who seeks food for her three baby cubs. As the months progress, she teaches them how to hunt for food and shelter. Sadly, one rainy night she is killed by a car hitting her. As her body flies through the air and lands on the ground, the author teaches that now all is not lost. As the seasons turn and fallen leaves decay, the body of the fox is used for the earth by planes, air, and various birds and bugs. Now, new life feeds and grows.

As the author teaches, "every particle that once was fox finds a new place in the world." And, life is not lost, death is not the end, but a new beginning.

Used as a teaching tool, at the end of the story, the author writes in more detail about what happens when something dies. Reinforcing the fact that Death is not just an end, but in reality it is a brand new beginning, this book might be used for a child who lost a beloved pet and/or loved one.

Yet another example of how illustrated books teach lessons through text and illustrations. I highly recommend this one!

Four Stars ( )

Received this preview via email from Bloomsbury.

In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end, it's also a beginning.

With gorgeous illustrations and lyrical, kid-friendly text, Fox: A Circle of Life Story answers the big scientific question: What happens when animals die? ( )