The Fox Wish

Name: The Fox Wish
ISBN: 9781452156309

by Kimiko Aman

For the child learning to love and let go, this tender story beautifully explores the bittersweet experience of caring for a lost wild animal and returning it to nature.

Find on Bookshop.org Find on Amazon Save

About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when helping a child process a necessary but sad goodbye, such as a friend moving away or returning a found pet. This gentle story follows two siblings who find a lost fox kit and make a wish to play with it for just one day. Their magical wish comes true, leading to a day of joyful adventure. The story beautifully navigates the bittersweet feelings of forming a deep, temporary connection and the quiet sadness of letting go. With its soft, dreamy illustrations, The Fox Wish is perfect for sensitive children ages 4 to 7. It offers a tender way to talk about how some wonderful things are not ours to keep, but their memories can be treasured forever.

Animals Empathy & Kindness Nature & Outdoors Curiosity & Wonder Growing Up Sadness & Grief Making Friends Friendship & Social

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Deals with the gentle sadness of saying goodbye to a temporary friend.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals with themes of separation and letting go. The approach is metaphorical, using the return of a wild animal to its natural home as a stand-in for other types of goodbyes. The treatment is entirely secular. The resolution is both realistic (the fox must leave) and hopeful (the children cherish the memory), framing the goodbye as a necessary and kind act.