A female fox, or vixen, is most active when much of the human world sleeps. This factual account follows Vixen through winter and on into spring as she hunts, meets with her mate, escapes chasing dogs, and explores abandoned burrows of other animals. Vixen stays in her den more and more as spring nears, her mate bringing food. In late spring, when she emerges to hunt, she is followed out of her den by four kits. The kits learn from their parents through the summer and by fall are ready to set off on their own. The drama is unforced and genuine in a lyrical narrative that never anthropomorphizes its subjects. Realistic pastel paintings convey both the wildness of the foxes and their proximity to humans. A note provides more information about the red fox. (Ages 6-9)

This gorgeous and lyrical picture book follows a year in the life of a red fox named Vixen.

Kids will learn about a common backyard neighbor as they read how Vixen finds food, hunts, escapes threats, finds a mate, and raises her kits—all the way to the day that she and her mate watch their kits head off to lead their own secret lives. Stunning, realistic illustrations celebrate the beauty of these mysterious creatures as readers learn important facts through an engaging and fascinating story. The book also includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.