The Fox Wish

Roxie forgets her jump rope in a nearby park, and when she returns with her brother to look for it, she finds that it’s been claimed by a litter of fox kits. Rendered in Sakai’s (Hannah’s Night) careful, natural style, the paintings of jump-roping foxes are adorably realistic as the animals struggle with a problem: “They were good jumpers, but their tails kept getting caught in the rope.” “Well,” Roxie advises, “just keep your tail straight up your back.” When they’ve finished playing, Roxie reaches for her jump rope, but there’s a mix-up. The smallest kit is also named Roxie, and she explains that she wished for a game to play before coming to the park: “This rope was just hanging there,” she continues, “from a branch, with my name on it and everything, just a little wish come true!” Putting the fox’s happiness before her own, Roxie surrenders her rope without a murmur. Aman’s blend of fantasy and the gentle moral nudge toward generosity will linger in readers’ minds, as will the bewitching vision of baby foxes jumping rope. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)