The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole - by Cecilia Heikkila (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

If Edgar Allan Poe wrote for children! Fox and Mole find a spooky story spilling into their lives in this autumnal tale for older picture-book readers.

Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing.

As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's selfishness grows and soon Fox too begins to transform...

The Wind in the Willows meets the Brontës in this unique picture book, told in four chapters, which promises an immersive thrill for readers aged 6 and up. A cozy, wry, gothic tale for curling up with on long, dark evenings.

Review Quotes

'Equal parts cozy and spooky, this autumnal picture book demonstrates the importance of openness among friends - and the monstrous consequences of hidden resentments.'--Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

'Fantastic. Just the right level of chills, with a message that some of us (read: me) probably should take to heart... Delightful stuff.'--Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

'This delightfully subversive book dances along the edges of horror... A fantastic pick for a Halloween readaloud.'--The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

'A book about bravery, manners, and learning to communicate, that can be just as valuable for adults as it is for the children they read it to.'-- Kathryn Brostowitz, Boswell Book Company

Praise for Finding the Way to Faraway Valley:

'A restrained, lyrical tone makes Faraway Valley magical for readers... A beautifully illustrated picture book with an environmental theme.' --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

'This moving tale weaves a gentle moral of conservation through the story of a little bear's adventure with his grandfather.' --Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

'This is a gentle clarion call to protect Earth's wild spaces.' --Kirkus Reviews

'A book about wonder, persistence, and preservation.' --Los Angeles Book Review

'A timely tale about the need to protect and preserve wild spaces.' --School Library Journal

About the Author

Cecilia Heikkila is a graphic designer, author and illustrator from Sweden. She was awarded The Selma Lagerlof Society's prize for children and YA literature in 2024. Cecilia is the creator of several acclaimed picture books, including Badger's Journey, A Christmas Sweater for Nina and Finding the Way to Faraway Valley.