The Secret Life of the Red Fox, signed copy

"The Secret Life of the Red Fox" signed children's book + secret bonus.

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Written by: Laurence Pringle
Illustrated by: Kate Garchinsky

I've been working toward this accomplishment most of my adult life—to illustrate and publish my first children's book. After years of studying the craft, following the industry, and attending conferences, I was ready when serendipity called.

I met the author, Laurence "Larry" Pringle, at a nature writers' retreat at the Highlights Foundation. He told me about his soon-to-be 116th children's book, a narrative non-fiction book about foxes. He shared his frustration with me that the right illustrator had not yet been found after months of searching. I told Larry, "I can draw a fox." I drew a little sketch in my nature journal to prove it. He liked it enough to refer me to his editor at Boyds Mills Press, a division of Highlights. I was encouraged to produce some sample illustrations to show how I imagined the story. The editor liked my samples so much, she hung them on the wall in her office. Soon after, I signed my first children's book contract to illustrate The Secret Life of the Red Fox. My dream had finally come true.

In March 2016 I delivered the illustrations to Boyds Mills. Then I had a long wait for the publishing part. The wait is over now, and I have my book, as well as some copies to sign and offer to you.

Here's what people are saying about The Secret Life of the Red Fox:

"This gorgeous and lyrical picture book from renowned science author Laurence Pringle and debut illustrator Kate Garchinsky follows a year in the life of a red fox named Vixen as she finds food, hunts, escapes threats, finds a mate, and raises her kits—all the way to the day that she and her mate watch their kits head off to lead their own secret lives. Stunning, realistic illustrations celebrate the beauty of these mysterious creatures as readers learn important facts through an engaging and fascinating story. The book also includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources." - Boyds Mills Press

★ Gr 1-4 –Beginning on a snowy afternoon in February and ending in early autumn, this book centers on a fox named Vixen as she explores her habitat, hunts, runs from danger, and starts a family. This intimate and personal view into Vixen’s life is chronicled through a beautifully cohesive relationship between text and illustration. Facts and definitions are seamlessly woven into the narrative. When Vixen sniffs the air, readers learn that “a fox is a canine, related to dogs and wolves. Canines have super sensitive noses and ears. Vixen can smell faint odors and hear tiny sounds that a human would never hear.” Readers later witness a combination of Vixen’s senses put to use when she leaps and dives to capture a mouse hidden underneath a foot of snow. Conveying the intensity and precision of this specific hunt, the art, rendered with pastels and aqua crayons on sanded paper, also fuels the foxlike moments with emotion, from Vixen and her mate’s tender nuzzle to the curiosity and playfulness of her four kits. Additional facts are located in the back matter. VERDICT A rich reading experience awaits those who pick up this title about an animal that is not only currently trending in popular and kid lit culture (Disney’s Zootopia, Sara Pennypacker’s Pax) but is also a perennial favorite.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library, School Library Journal

"...Through the narrative about Vixen, Pringle thoughtfully explains how red foxes are canines, omnivores, and predators, including just enough specifics on hunting, mating, and parenting, with specialized vocabulary printed in italics in the narrative and defined in a glossary. Rendered in muted pastels and aqua crayons on sanded paper, the impressionistically fuzzy but otherwise realistic illustrations add depth, drama, and detail to the informative, entertaining text. Intimate scenes of Vixen alternate with panoramic vistas, capturing the essence of the red fox and her world." - Kirkus

Product Details
Ages: 6 to 9
Grades: 1 to 4
Pages: 40
Illustrations: Full-color illustrations
Trim Size: 9" x 9"
Imprint: Boyds Mills Press
Lexile Level: 650L