This seems to be more of a literary fairy tale from Tejima. The mixing of the artwork and the story makes for a beautiful nature story. The idea of animals dreaming and remembering parts of its past without speaking, just simple memory, can be a crazy concept for humans as we find it hard to believe things we can't see or measure. However, I feel that everything feels, that everything remembers its' past. So, if you're looking for a fantastical view of nature, and a rather adorable story, check this one out! ( )

There was a fox that walked in a forest when it was winter, and the other animals slept. The forest was very quiet, and he felt lonely. The fox saw a rabbit, and tried to hunt it. The rabbit ran away and he felt lonely again. The forest is empty, icy, cold, and leafless. He looks and imagines birds flying, dears running, and he imagines a family of foxes. The fox remembers spring when he was very close to his mother and brothers, but his reality is winter. The fox walks and he sees something. The fox sees a vixen, and he joins her. The imagination of the fox is vivid. For example, all the birds and dears that he thinks about are illustrated beautifully. The book does a wonderful job illustrating the cold and lonely winter. ( )

This story shows the journey of a fox through the forest during the winter. The fox pretends he sees his family in an icy tree. The fox has a flashback to happier times during the summer with his family. He continues further into the forest and finds another fox. The end of the story leads you to believe the fox found a lover.

This lovely quiet story is perfect for bedtime or naptime, whenever your child needs to settle down. Stunning pictures (traditional Japanese woodblock prints,) illustrate it beautifully. ( )

Fine condition