Age 5-7 | 36 pages | 250 x 250mm | Publication May 2018
Paperback: ISBN 9781912050062
Hardback: ISBN 9781912213542
Meet Gaspard the Fox as he sets out one summer evening in search of adventure and something to eat. On his travels he meets Peter the cat and Finty the dog, who help him navigate the local canals, boats and people in his hunt for supper.
This charming and humorous picture book celebrates urban foxes and their relationship with the humans and animals they share the city with. It is the first in a series of urban adventures with Gaspard and his friends by broadcaster Zeb Soanes and best-selling illustrator James Mayhew.
Books in the series:
Head over to Gaspard’s website for fun Gaspard-themed craft ideas, news and events: click here.
Zeb Soanes is a children’s author and broadcaster. He presents weekday evenings on Classic FM. For over 20 years, he was a newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. He has written for The Observer, Country Life, and The Literary Review and his best-selling first book for children, Gaspard the Fox began a series of stories based on the real urban fox that visits him at home in London. He has earned a reputation as ‘the go-to person for music narration’ with the UK’s leading orchestras, performing favourite works for children including Paddington’s First Concert and Peter and the Wolf. In recognition of his efforts to culturally rehabilitate the urban fox, he was made the first patron of the Mammal Society.
James Mayhew is an acclaimed illustrator, author, concert presenter and storyteller. He is the creator of the much loved Ella Bella Ballerina and Boy. He published The Knight Who Took All Day with Graffeg in September 2017.
Reviews:
'I loved reading about the adventures of Gaspard the urban fox - surely a prince in disguise? More please.' Francesca Simon, author of the Horrid Henry series
'A wonderfully warm-hearted animal adventure based on Zeb Soanes observation of a local urban fox... perfectly captured in James Mayhew's illustrations.' Julia Eccleshare 'Pick of the Month', LoveReading4Kids
'A modern day classic and a delight to read aloud.' South Wales Evening Post Children’s Book of the Week
‘Lavish with words, Gaspard the Fox is a lovely story with gorgeous illustrations that is a joy to share.’ North Somerset Teacher's Book Award
'Don’t miss this splendid book! [...] Soanes’
word-rich text and ‘foxy facts’ are informative, exciting and funny – and accessible
to a wide range of listeners and readers. Gaspard’s story is also
beautifully served by James Mayhew’s vibrant illustrations, distinctive,
smoky images of real places (Acton), full of detail and action. He
perfectly captures the essence of the busy city, the variety of its
places, its people and its animals.' Bridget Carrington, Armadillo Magazine
‘There’s an undoubted simplicity to the tale that only adds to its appeal, while the distinctive illustrations from James Mayhew add a charm to the proceedings. A real treat.’ The Bath and Wiltshire Parent magazine
'Children will absolutely love this gentle story of urban adventure and next time they see a fox will wish it was Gaspard himself! I am looking forward to his next adventure!' The Book Activist
'I found it an absolute treasure from the moment I opened the book and discovered the little black fox prints across the endpapers to the
moment I closed it with satisfaction at the end. [...] As a package this book completely delivers and I highly recommend it.' Short Book and Scribes book blog