Customer Reviews

Vulpes the Red Fox

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was Jean Craighead George's first book and is, as are the majority of her eighty or so others, a masterpiece of nature writing. Originally published in 1948, the book has, thankfully, been reprinted so that it may be enjoyed by young readers once again. Ms. George also wrote DIPPER OF COPPER CREEK, also reprinted, and several other out-of-print but nonetheless wonderful nature stories, with her ex-husband John George, before going on to write such classics as MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN and the JULIE OF THE WOLVES books. The story concerns a young red fox in the woods of Maryland named Vulpes (all of the Georges' characters were named after their Latin scientific identifications) and his abilities outwit and outrun the hunters who are after him. Gorgeous wash illustrations by Ms. George herself and a spellbinding climax at the end make this a wonderful addition to any nature lore- or children's- book collection.

This is a warm and sensitive book that lingers in the reader's mind for years. I read it as a little girl, and now I am reading it to my own children. Jean Craighead does a marvelous job describing the Maryland countryside before it was swallowed by suburban sprawl. No sentimental, not "preachy", this little book shows respect for all living things. I highly recommend it!

If you love foxes, this is the book for you. This excellent novel is about a young fox who grows up in the wild. The details are great and the story is well written. As a fox lover my self, I couldn't put this book down. This novel is great for young teenagers who want to know more about what it is like for a red fox to grow up in the wild. The great detail makes you think you are there in the story with the fox. I would read it over and over!

This book is about a fox that grew up on with a big family. But as time passed the family grew farther and farther apart. Some of them even died. One of the babies got stolen bye the owl. The mother tried her hardest to save him but the owl got to him first. Just imagine if you let some one just take you little brother and never see him again. Well the red fox took it well. He just wanted revenge for his little brother.

The fox's name was Vulpes and he was very handsome and charming to the lady fox's. All of the forest animals were scared of Vulpes because he used to chase them around, trying to have some fun. I think he is a fox who goes around and tries to have some fun. But when he meets some other fox that is just like him, he will try to play with him but the other fox will just go away and ignore the red fox. He is also very brave because he would pick on the farmers dogs and out run them.

When Vulpes got old he looked around and seen that all the male fox's had mates. But Vulpes didn't so he went out trying to find a mate. He left his home and started to travel around. He found one who was playful and fast, but she didn't want to leave her home. So she was no good. He found another one who he swore was his mate, but she had already been taken. He was not alone for long. Read this book to find out the rest. This is a exciting book. This books mood is exciting and cool.

Like another reader here, I read "Vulpes" as a 10-year-old boy in '62 and loved to race around on my bike pretending to be him being chased everywhere. I grew up in the DC area and I know the general area where the story takes place. I bought this book filled with curiosity and nostalgia for a great kid's read, so 5 stars.

Vulpes is the scientific name in Latin for the fox. We meet him at birth and follow him through his life as a young fox (although a rather glorified one, if you ask me). Vulpes is fast, clever, strong and handsome - perfect for hero-worshipping 10-year-olds! The human side is told through the efforts of several hunters and trappers who want to "bag" Vulpes for his pelt. Like "Never Cry Wolf", there are no good guys or bad guys here - only the struggle to survive for human and animal, even while you're rooting for Vulpes. Jean George puts you inside Vulpes' head as he makes decisions, and she articulates his feelings giving Vulpes a more human connection.

Vulpes eventually finds his mate, Fulva, sires quite big brood of cubs (Vulpes, you big stud-muffin!) and ultimately meets his destiny and fate. You'll never think of foxes the same way again.

I was very interested in what happens to Vulpes the fox. This book is fun to read - not too hard and not too easy. Vulpes is a really cool fox. He's cute.

This is a great book. It tells a story about a young red fox and you can almost see through the fox's eyes as you follow him through the forest. You follow Vulpes on his hunts, when he looks for a mate, and when he runs from the hunters and their hounds. A very good story for any fox lover.

I first found this book in my school library when I was six. I read it over and over. Of all the nature books I read as a child, this was the one that I still remember several decades later. I am picking up a new copy to give to my niece for her to enjoy. But I'll read it first!

If you love nature get all of the books Mrs.George has written. I love this book as well as all the others. Her writting relates to me, I love animals and beleive we need to express their beauty. She is my favorite author and I hope to get all of her books and read them and enjoy every moment. Her writting puts beautiful pictures in my mind. I hope to share them with others and have them enjoy these masterpeices. Vulpes is rather sad but it is still a lovely novel. She shows the hardships and better sides of being a fox. After you read this book it will enlighten you. Even if animals arent your favorite things it will show you how beautiful nature really is. If you absolutely love nature like I do you will enjoy this book just as much. Its not any ordinary book its an open feild of pleasure just like all the others she has written. Get it now and I hope you treasure it like I did and still do.

This was a great book. I especially like the details about his life. I think it is excellent for a young adult to read.