WorthyKids Editor’s Pick – August 2023
Written and illustrated by John Sandford, BrindleFox is a new picture book releasing on August 22nd. We sat down with Rebekah Moredock, the book’s editor, to learn more about it.
What drew you to the project originally?
Oh gosh, so much. The art was the first thing I saw. Because John wrote and illustrated BrindleFox, instead of submitting just a manuscript, he submitted what we call a book dummy, which is a fully sketched out version of the book. And his sketches were stunning. They were detailed and immersive and gave you the sense that this book could transport you to somewhere wonderful and unique. And then I read the story and was profoundly moved. I knew then and there that I would do anything in my power to be this book’s editor.
What is BrindleFox about? And why is there a tree growing from the fox’s back on the front cover?
Great questions! BrindleFox is about a curmudgeonly old fox who lives a solitary existence. He refuses to be a friend, so he has no friends. He doesn’t bother to clean his house or himself, because if you never have visitors, why bother? One morning he finds that a tree has begun growing from his back. He can’t be bothered to do anything about it, so the tree continues to grow, branching up and out and becoming home to beehives and bird flocks alike. Until one day, Heron shows up. After a testy first encounter with BrindleFox, she shows him selfless kindness. Unexplainable tree growing from his back? No problem! But BrindleFox cannot comprehend this unearned, unexpected act of kindness. Thus begins a beautiful friendship that brings BrindleFox back to life emotionally, prompting him to take care of himself for the first time in a very long time. And at the climax of the story, BrindleFox removes the tree from his back, transforming his burden into a table that he and Heron can eat around, together.
What do you hope young readers take away from BrindleFox’s story?
The book’s message, which is actually stated at the very end, is this: “To have a friend, one must be a friend. A full stomach helps, and a full heart helps more.” Ultimately, the story is a moving look at the redemptive power of friendship. I hope children that read this story will realize how important it is to reach out to people in their lives—in their neighborhoods, churches, schools—who need a friend. And that those kids who are looking for friends themselves will have hope that they too will find a Heron, a fearless friend who loves them just as they are. For adults and older readers, the book also makes clear nods to anxiety and depression, and how those conditions can cut us off from the people around us. For readers who have struggled with similar things, BrindleFox’s story will have deep emotional resonance and will hopefully act as a healing and hopeful balm.
Is there anything else you want people to know about BrindleFox?
Yes! Every piece of art in this book is an oil painting created by John Sandford. The illustrations are a visual feast that demand repeat readings and are truly an awesome joy to behold. Bonus points to any reader who finds the gorgeous art hidden beneath the book’s jacket or the hedgehog being used as a scrub brush.
– Rebekah Moredock, Worthy Kids Editor
Download the Free Activity Packets for Brindlefox (that will keep you entertained for days)
1. 15 FOOT LONG coloring mural depicting character scenes
2. Coloring page packet
Order Brindlefox now!
BrindleFox refuses to be a friend, so he has no friends. He never lets anyone into his home, so he doesn’t bother to clean it. Moss and ivy weave through his furniture, and weeds and grasses grow on his floors and in his drawers. One morning, he discovers something unexpected—a tree has begun sprouting from his back. Unphased by this development, he continues on with his life, and the tree continues to grow. One day, a strange heron appears in his tree. Furious, BrindleFox attempts to drive the intruder away and finds himself stunned by something he doesn’t understand—a selfless act of kindness from a fearless new friend.
Brilliantly illustrated, BrindleFox touches on themes of sadness, loneliness, self-care, and the redeeming power of friendship in simple ways that children will intuitively understand. Little ones will be welcomed into a world brimming with hidden wonders and memorable characters that they will want to revisit time and time again.