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“Little Fox Goes to the End of the World” is a good story that models how young children use their imagination and storytelling skills. Reading this book to a class would walk students through an actual process of creating a story. Little Fox’s mother also represents a good model for adults. Throughout the story she is asking Little Fox questions, what she will do in certain situations, or how she will feel. These questions mold and stretch Little Fox’s imagination, making it more complete and creative. This is seen by the reader as the story progresses. Little Fox’s first creative encounter is with bears in a forest where he appeases them with honey. As the story continues he meets tigers and elephants, crosses mountains and deserts, and finally sails across the ocean to an island of giant one-eyed cats at the end of the world. This story would be an appropriate way to start a lesson on creative thinking for students. While reading it students could also make predictions about the things Little Fox will encounter and how she will react.
The edition being reviewed is an older version (copyrighted in 1976). The illustrations were big, taking up a majority of the page. They were realistic and the illustrator portrayed facial expressions of characters very well. Readers could see looks of happiness, fear, and anger on the characters faces. Another positive note about the illustrations is that the story and illustrations take the reader to the physical place Little Fox is talking about, but whenever her mother asks a question or comments on her story the mother is depicted in the corner or side of the illustration. This allows the reader to be in two places at once.

Little Fox Goes to the End of the World, illustrated by John Wallner.

"Tired of playing in the soft green grass near the mouth of her den," Little Fox announces that she intends to set off to find the end of the world in this charming picture-book from Ann Tompert. Wise mother fox, rather than arguing with her frustrated daughter, draws her out with questions, allowing her to experience the longed-for voyage of exploration - over mountains and deserts, past the island of one-eyed cats - while still safe at home...

With a gentle narrative that emphasizes a mother's role, both in protecting her child, and encouraging her growth, and journey of discovery, as well as appealing four-tone pencil illustrations, Little Fox Goes to the End of the World is a delight, and I thank my friend Chandra for pointing me toward it. Originally published in 1976, it has long out-of-print, although it look like a new edition (with different illustrations, done by Laura J. Bryant) is due for publication this fall. Happy news for Ann Tompert fans! ( )

What a great book to inspire the imagination of youngsters. Little Fox is innovative in his thinking, especially when he thinks he will tackle the dangers of the world equipped with daddy's umbrella, some pillow cases, and a drum for starters. Imagination is what keeps out world alive and this is a great way to introduce how creative it can be to kids. ( )