Five little foxes are enchanted by the snow in this delightful picture-book from 1977, and they each plead with their grandmother to be allowed to go outside and play. That knitting lady refuses each time, telling them their paws will be cold, and giving them other tasks. Finally, on a white Christmas morning, she produces what she had been knitting: mittens! Now the foxes can go out and play...

Five Little Foxes and the Snow is the eighth picture-book I have read from prolific author Tony Johnston, but the first from illustrator Cindy Szekeres. I can see that I will need to read more from both of them! This was just a charming little confection of a picture-book, with an engaging narrative that makes excellent use of its repetitive structure, and absolutely adorable artwork. The little foxes themselves had such winsome vulpine charm, while the wintry vistas had their own appeal. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for delightful Christmas/wintertime tales, or for stories about little (anthropomorphic) foxes. ( )