Fox Series by Corey R. Tabor

Fox is a quirky but lovable character whose stories are perfect for children who are just learning to read.

Fox Series (I Can Read! books) written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Balzer & Bray.

• Reading Level: Early Readers/Chapter Books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4-8

Fox is late.
Fox is late for lunch.
Go, Fox! Go!
Fox does a kick flip.
Fox does a big kick flip.
~from Fox Is Late

Fox Versus Fox

When our character Fox (a red fox) meets Fox (a white fox), they embark on a battle of one-upmanship. They can both do tricks, they are sneaky, they can jump–higher, but they cannot fly! They are brave, but can they swim? At least they can be friends.

Fox Plays Ball

Fox and his friends, Elephant, Rabbit, Bear, and Snail, want to play ball. All of them want to win! Elephant throws the ball VERY far and everyone chases after it, including Snail. The ball ricochets conveniently, everyone misses the ball, but Fox and his bigger friends all dive for it. Fox wins! Or does he? This book in the series is particularly fun.

Fox Versus Winter

Winter is an unhappy time for Fox. Some of his friends leave, while others sleep. What is he supposed to do while he waits? Snow friends aren’t much fun in snowball fights, it’s too late to head south, and he wasn’t made for hibernating. Fighting winter doesn’t work, either. Is he doomed to spend the months alone?

Fox Is Late

Fox is late for lunch, so he hops on his skateboard and rides over, under, and around his friends using all kinds of maneuvering tricks. His friends don’t appreciate his moves and start chasing him, one after another, through a field of poppies and the grocery store until he reaches home. What happens when his friends catch up with him?

This is a nice introduction or companion to the classic Go, Dog! Go! with use of prepositions and action that requires the illustrations to appreciate.

Fox at Night

Fox is camping. Alone. And there are monsters in the night. What kind of monsters? One with yellow eyes, one that makes noise, one that is stinky, and and one with pointy teeth. Gradually Fox meets each creature and finds out that there is nothing to be scared of. Still…are there any monsters in the night?

In a very simple story about fear of the dark, Tabor uses simple language, natural fear, and a twist at the end. Beginning readers can relate to the risk of assumptions, the relief of making new friends, and the satisfaction of reading a good story. (Taken from our earlier roundup of 2022 Geisel Award books)

Fox Has a Problem

Fox gets yet another kite stuck in a tree, and in an effort to get one (or all) of the kites down, he experiments with numerous strategies that result in unfortunate consequences for his friends. Thankfully Elephant comes to the rescue before Fox has to face the wrath of his offended companions, and all ends well. (Taken from our earlier roundup of 2024 Geisel Award books)

Fox the Tiger

Fox wishes he was big, fast, and sneaky like a tiger. Tigers are the best. Of course the simple solution is to paint stripes on himself, go on a prowl, and introduce himself to his friends. This inspires Turtle to become a race car and Rabbit to become a robot, and they all pretend happily until it begins to rain. All the paint washes away, much to Fox’s disappointment, until Squirrel arrives. His admiration cheers up Fox, and inspires Squirrel to find a can of paint.

Fox Series as a Whole

Emerging readers go through several stages while they’re building confidence, and these are just right for those who are building confidence with only a few words on a page. The shorter the text, the harder it is to carry a story, but Tabor continues to enjoy success with the Fox books, earning multiple Geisel awards. Fox tends to tackle each situation in a humorous head-on approach before finding that there is usually a simple resolution with friends.

Bottom Line: Fox is a quirky but lovable character whose stories are perfect for emerging readers who are ready for just a sentence or two on a page. Look for these at your library.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: Vacation by Ame Dyckman
• Book Review: Towed by Toad is another good choice for beginning readers.
• Resource: Fox Has a Problem was included on the 2024 Geisel Award lineup, but what else made the list?

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