ALA Booklist (Wed Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2010)

Kids just learning to read and write are often encouraged to come up with their own stories verbally first, and that's just what Little Fox does here. Her fanciful story rings true to anyone who has listened to the kinds of winding stories kindergartners create: Little Fox's made-up adventure takes her into the forest, across a river, into the mountains, over the ocean, and back, and she contends with monkeys, elephants, one-eyed cats, and more. Throughout, Little Fox's mother prompts her with questions; this is a helpful model for adults wishing to encourage young storytelling. As with Max's imaginary trip in Where the Wild Things Are (1963), when Little Fox's is over, a hot meal is waiting. Charming watercolor paintings show close-ups of the action, with Little Fox herself often in the background; the focus here is on the story's elements: crocodiles, monkeys, big waves, and the like. First published in 1976 with illustrations by John Wallner, this story continues to suit beginning adventurers.

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Little Fox, tired of playing close to home, tells her mother that some day she will "travel to the end of the world." As she describes her imagined voyages, including encounters with bears, tigers, and crocodiles, Mother Fox supports her with the promise of her favorite dinner when she returns. Bryant's new dynamic watercolors ably illustrate Tompert's tale.

Kirkus Reviews

Originally published in 1976 with illustrations by John C. Wallner, this story has been buffed up with Bryant's watercolors. Tired of playing at the mouth of her den, Little Fox dreams up big plans to travel to the end of the world. Her mother asks her, "Is the end of the world very far?" With that, Little Fox's adventure becomes very big indeed, as she tackles obstacles one by one with her mother as the perfect audience. She easily handles bears and tigers, outwits elephants and monkeys, sweeps away crocodiles and captures the Four Winds. The illustrated "dangers" are mild in nature, with all the tension in the dialogue. Mother Fox's voice consistently places the emphasis on Little Fox's safety, which puts readers at ease. (This mother is the antithesis of the mother rabbit with all the answers in The Runaway Bunny .) Mother Fox encourages her baby to go to the end of the earth, with the reassurance that loving and open arms await her at home. As a read-aloud, it needs a strong and flexible voice as it is nearly entirely in dialogue form. (Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

PreS-K Capturing a young child's yearning for independence, Tompert describes the story of Little Fox, who tells her mother, "Some day&30;I'm going to travel to the end of the world." Her mother's wise reply encourages Little Fox's imagination and conversation by asking appropriate questions such as, "What will you see?" "Won't you be scared?" Bryant's dramatic watercolor artwork frequently fills the spreads. The menacing look on the crocodiles' faces with their hypnotic eyes and razor-sharp incisors will intrigue children. Although Tompert's text was originally published in 1976, the story is as fresh as ever and will engage a new group of listeners. Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA