First sentence: The jumping contest was only a few days away, and Fox was determined to win first prize. He would put the trophy right there, just above the fireplace.

Premise/plot: Fox is a schemer. He is scheming how to "win" the jumping contest. The scheme, of course, involves cheating. The cover clearly shows *how* he plans to cheat. How will his friends respond to his schemes?

My thoughts: I believe this is the first book starring Fox. It wasn't my first to read, however, but it was the first published. Having gotten to know this character--and the characters of his many friends--I can say I enjoyed this one. I'm not sure how I would have felt without some attachment already to Fox (and friends). ( )

I liked Tabor's illustrations in previous books and I like this debut picture book even more.

It's the day of the big jumping contest and Fox is getting ready. Naturally, being a fox, he has a scheme! One by one, the animals make their best jump. Finally, it is Fox's turn. Will he win the coveted trophy? Or will his cheating get him in trouble?

The best part of this book is the illustrations. I love the bright, cheerful colors and lines, the humor shown in the animals' expressions and activities, and the general color scheme. The blacked out scene after Fox blasts off, Fox's face when he realizes he forgot his parachute, all are just perfect.

The plot is a little thin in places, but the humor and illustrations outweigh any drawbacks. There's even a mix of genders in the pronouns used for the animals. This is bound to be a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Verdict: I always like a good book just for fun. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780062398741; Published 2016 by HarperCollins; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Summary: Story about a fox who really wants to win a jumping content between the other animals. He "schemes" as foxes do, and disguises a jet-pack on his back for his jump, which makes him jump a little too far (into outer space). The other animals are about to give rabbit first place when fox reappears just in time! His jet pack was crashed and ruined, but he at least won 1st place, just like he'd wanted.

Critique of Genre: Fantasy because it's about animals who can talk and partake in a jumping content which could never happen in real life.

Age: Primary or Intermediate

Media: Pencil, watercolor, colored pencil and ink, assembled digitally