In this quiet tale envisioning Santa's off-season, a hungry little white fox in search of something tasty finds a special new friend at the North Pole. Even without the clue of a red Santa suit drying by the fire, readers will instantly recognize the red-sweater-clad man, "with a great round belly and a fox-white beard," who welcomes the fox into his house. The fox and the man, who presents as white, settle in for a long winter's nap and awake refreshed in spring, when the man busies himself crafting loads of new toys. Months later, when the first snow--and thousands of letters--float down from the sky, a familiar routine of checking lists, loading gifts, and hitching flying reindeer begins. Faber's evocative text invites readers into the fox's discovery of the man's true identity, while Jones's textured, mixed-media artwork fills in details, depicting Santa's peaceful lifestyle amid a crisp rugged landscape and a rustic house where a lap fox feels right at home. Ages 3--7. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 1--While out searching for something to eat on a cold, dark night, a cute white fox finds dinner in an unexpected place: Santa's house! Lured there by the warmth and light emanating from his rooftop, the fox quickly makes himself at home as Santa shares his dinner and bedroom. The mixed media artwork depicts several instances of onomatopoeia included in the text ("Thump! Again and again, it sprang up and punched down into the thick white blanket.") and gives readers a sneak peek of what Santa is up to during all four seasons. The fox is close by while Santa does chores and tasks that help him get ready for next Christmas. Lists are made, toys are created, and letters that fall from the sky are read. Santa and the fox become inseparable. A reference to Santa's love of cookies brings in a bit of humor. The cozy picture book ends with a lovely scene of a happier Santa and the fox, both cheerfully content with their new arrangement at home. VERDICT A beautifully illustrated holiday picture book for people looking for a unique Christmas story.--Tanya Boudreau

While searching for food in the snow, a white fox is rescued by a kindly bearded man. Though the man's identity as Santa Claus isn't revealed until the end, perceptive readers will notice text and illustration clues throughout (e.g., "Stuck? Now that's a problem I understand!"; the red-and-white suit hanging by the fireplace). Faber's quiet narrative recounts the animal's year watching its host create toys he matches with letters from children. Any remaining mystery is cleared up once eight reindeer arrive to fly Santa's sleigh full of toys. Jones's textured mixed-media illustrations beautifully contrast the bold hues of cold winter nights and the pastel warmth inside the fox's new North Pole home. Cynthia K. Ritter November/December 2022 p.15(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This foxy spin on a beloved Christmas character will put readers in the holiday mood. Out hunting for dinner on a winter's night, a nameless white fox suddenly finds itself stuck halfway through the roof of a cabin that had been buried under drifts of snow. The cabin's inhabitant, a tired, light-skinned old man with white hair, a beard, and a penchant for red outfits, takes pity on the fox and gives it dinner and a warm place to spend the night. The fox's sleep, much like the man's, seems to go on for a season. Eventually, both awaken in a warm, verdant "world lit bright again." As the fox frolics outside, the man busies himself by making and wrapping toys; collecting letters as the seasons shift and snow begins to fall; and making and checking lists until a magical sled pulled by reindeer arrives and the fox suddenly realizes with whom it has been living. This quiet, Santa-centric story is original, and holiday-minded readers will appreciate the unique angle. The cover art gives away the big reveal of the identity of the fox's new roommate, but the soft, mixed-media illustrations and the expressive lines of the fox make up for the lack of mystery. (This book was reviewed digitally.) As delightful and sweet as a candy cane. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.