The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night (Dell Picture Yearling) [Paperback]

Peter Spier (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Dell Picture Yearling

A timeless folk song provides inspiration for some of the funniest, brightest drawings Peter Spier has ever produced. In the song, a fox forages for food in the village to bring to his family back in the den. The music is also included so everyone can sing along.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3—This Caldecott Honor book (Doubleday, 1961) illustrated by Peter Spier tells the story of the old folk song, "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night," about a fox who leaves his family to go to town in search of some dinner. He is successful at the farmer's house where he catches a grey goose and a duck. The fox is too fast for the farmer and his wife and manages to get his catch home where his family enjoys a delicious dinner. Read by incomparable children's entertainer Tom Chapin, the story is told at a nice lyrical pace. Subtle sound effects enhance the narration and bring to life Spier's beautiful illustrations that alternate between full color and black and white. As the book ends with the music and lyrics to the song, the reading of the story is followed by Chapin performing the song in all of its folksy glory. A fine addition to all collections for young children.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A Caldecott Honor Book, An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440408296
• ISBN-13: 978-0440408291
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.2 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #438,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Foxes & Wolves > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC WORK - IN SO MANY WAYS., March 11, 2008

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D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night (Dell Picture Yearling) (Paperback)

This is one of my all time favorites. The text consists of one version of an old folk song, general known as "The Fox." There are probably several dozen versions of this particular song, likely even more. I know of at least nine myself. The one used in this work is from a Burl Ives recording done in 1945. I was and am a big fan of Ives, so this book has been a real treat for me. The song originated from a poem, written in the 14th for 15th century in Middle English. I can remember versions sung of this song at various gatherings back to the late 1940s. This particular work was originally published about 1961 i.e. the Spire's version...not to be confused with one written by Wendy Watson which is a good work itself.

Anyway, the text consists of the words to the old song and this is a wonderful sing-along book. The art work by Peter Spier is some of the best. It is extremely detailed, the colors are wonderfully blended and even though they are actual paintings, they give a true feeling of being there. The story consists of a fox who goes out on a chilly night and visits the hen/goose/duck house of a local farmer in or near a village. The fox does this in order to feed his family. The book is the picture and word story of his journey there and back with the meal for his family. I note that there is some disagreement here as to the location of this story. It certainly took place (the story) during the late 1800s or possibly the early 1900s. The setting is rural. If I were to give a guess, I would say it probably took place in New England, possibly Massachusetts, Connecticut or Penn. Of course you could make a pretty good argument for Virginia also, but the civil war monuments shown in the book look to me more Union than Southern. Yes indeed folks, they do grow tobacco in New England. There are several pictures of tobacco drying sheds in the book. There are also pictures of covered bridges and wonderful details of the country side, farm and village.

The illustrations alternate between full color and black and white sketch type drawings. I personally find this technique quite appealing. I know the kids to which I read this book to don't seem to be bothered a bit by it. In fact, I have caught several of them trying to copy some parts of the black and white drawings. I do love the author's use of color, shades and his minute attention to detail.

Now, parents do take note: The fox does indeed kill the old goose and makes off with a duck to boot. There are not graphic details of this other than the fox family finishing off the cooked bones after their wonderful meal. Some parents may feel that their child may have problems with this. To be honest, this is where parenting comes in. Each parent knows, or should know, what his kid can or cannot handle and at what age. I personally have no problems with it. The fox is acting according to his nature and yes, foxes do indeed raid hen houses.(Goodness knows I have lost enough chickens to the little guys). Again though, this should be the parent's call.

There is another note of interest and suggestion. This book is ideal to introduce the young reader to Middle English. A quick wed search can provide the text of the original poem, along with many versions of this song. It is interesting to see how our language has developed and evolved over the years.

All in all, there is little not to like about this book. The art work is wonderful, you cannot beat the text, you get a great sing-along book and I have found that kids love the thing. I have used this particular work from Kindergarten up through the seventh and eight grades. Adults also enjoy listening to it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful memories, wonderful book, April 9, 2004

By 

A. Pollick "80s chick" (S.E. USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night (Dell Picture Yearling) (Paperback)

This book is a treasure from my childhood. I remember singing the song along with my dad and older sister. Since I was reading at age 3, I read this book by myself. I didn't find it too graphic then, nor do I now. The images didn't disturb me in the least.
I love this little book, and have given it as a gift many times, always to rave reviews from the parents and children alike. It is fast-paced and the lyrics are fun to sing. The pictures are delightful, from the detailed farm scenes, right down to the Civil War monuments in the town square that the reader sees as the fox passes by with his birds. I recommend this for children of any age, and their parents. It is a treasure of a children's book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Music Enhances the Story, February 18, 2004

By 

clappstar "clappstar" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night (Dell Picture Yearling) (Paperback)

This book is the musical tale of a fox raiding the farmer's bin in order to feed his family of a wife and ten little foxes. The book has a long title, which is typically problematic for young children. In my house the book is known simply as "Fox".

The story's lyrics are simple and repetitive. While broaching mature themes such as prayer, hunting, self-defense and providing for a family, the story flows most ostensibly as the adventure of the expeditious fox through the unassuming town.

The music is both hopeful and melancholy. Sung against a back drop of colonial New England, the story has a charming, romantic air to it. The illustrations are suitable for children while conveying a stylistic and modern tone.

Even after the 150th reading, I am still excited to read of the fox's exploits and am comparatively happier to have my 20 month old little daughter choose this handsome tale over what seems like an overabundance of pointless and ill-conceived young children's stories.