Scan barcode
literarysloth's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thebookgeekboutique's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alongreader's review
4.0
There's a theme running through the books from this stellar pair; mother daughter relationships, and wild animals being wild animals. The fox is this book knows nothing about the human world, something that's often brought up in her narration, and the pictures featuring her are noticably rougher than the pictures featuring the human cast - although that might just be because I'm reading a proof, but I really hope not; it adds a lovely touch to the story.
And the story is amazing. Leila, like the Fox, is a young refugee, trying very hard not to remember her journey. The story mostly takes place in the Arctic circle, which is so well described that I had to put on a jumper, which doesn't sound that impressive until I tell you I was reading this on the hottest day this year. The Syria Leila and her family fled is also lovingly described, though those descriptions are more scattered and come as flashes and moments.
I really hope Kiran and Tom keep working together; there needs to be more books like this in the world, and they are exactly the people to create them.
And the story is amazing. Leila, like the Fox, is a young refugee, trying very hard not to remember her journey. The story mostly takes place in the Arctic circle, which is so well described that I had to put on a jumper, which doesn't sound that impressive until I tell you I was reading this on the hottest day this year. The Syria Leila and her family fled is also lovingly described, though those descriptions are more scattered and come as flashes and moments.
I really hope Kiran and Tom keep working together; there needs to be more books like this in the world, and they are exactly the people to create them.
thebooksareeverywhere's review
4.5
I loved Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, which was her first project with her husband, Tom de Freston, as the artist. This book is in a matching edition with the same stunning art style from de Freston, and I knew I wanted to pick it up immediately after seeing it.
We follow similar themes to Julia and the Shark, and a familiar feel to the story and the book as a physical object. Without seeing one of these books in person, it is difficult to describe exactly how beautiful this artwork is. Alongside beautiful, sketchy full page and double pages sketches, and little pieces dotted throughout the book, we also have tracing paper style overlays on some of the pages, which I adore.
Once again, this book covers some deep and emotional themes as well as introducing a lovely friendship between a young girl and an animal. There were so many objects of the friendship between the animals that were reflected among their human companions, and I loved the comparisons between the two. This book focuses on migration, both for our main characters and the animals.
Overall, I really loved this story and I read it on a perfect frosty winter evening. It may not have stuck with me in exactly the same way as Julia and the Shark, but it was a delightful story and has further cemented Kiran Millwood Hargrave as an auto-buy author for me.
★★★★★
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars
adamskiboy528491's review
4.0
[b:Leila and the Blue Fox|60568861|Leila and the Blue Fox|Kiran Millwood Hargrave|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646681880l/60568861._SX50_.jpg|95464059] by [a:Kiran Millwood Hargrave|5868487|Kiran Millwood Hargrave|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1579440732p2/5868487.jpg] is so compelling it raises awareness about the harrowing journeys both people and animals make to survive. It also portrays the fragility of our planet and its inhabitants in a moving and awe-inspiring manner. Leaving the reader able to feel the icy purity of the artic as they breathe deep into the beautiful book. Like Julia and the Shark, the book's interior design is gorgeous, mainly when it includes tracing paper scattered throughout, giving you blurred glimpses of what's to come.
The story follows a fox's journey from Norway across the Arctic and into Canada. At the same time, we also meet Syrian refugee Leila as she travels from London to meet her lost mother again after six years. Leila joins her mum on an arctic expedition as her job has been to track the little fox on his journey. Leila's story of separation from her mother by refugee status and a need to work blends beautifully against the backdrop of the true story of an arctic fox's migration across the northern polar region.
Based on the true story of the fastest and longest recorded journey of a blue fox from Svalbard in Norway to Elliston Island in Canada, Tom de Freston's illustrations bring the movement of both ice and the fox to life. KMH doesn't disappoint with her work. The collaboration between herself and de Freston makes her books memorable today. Also, seeing certain parts of the books from the eyes of the fox works so well, and it's executed seamlessly.
The story explores serious environmental, migration, family dynamics, and mental health issues. The book also touches on the plight of refugees and climate change in an accessible way for adults and children. It's not an easy read in places, but it punches you in the gut with just how profound the visuals/illustrations are. This also creates a lot of atmospheres, as the book often uses blue/grey imagery, as this is the colour of the fox. I recommend this book to anyone who loves books about nature and our environment.
daniella84's review
3.0
3.5
Thank you to Orion for providing an ARC to review!
At this point I think we know that I will pick up anything Millwood Hargrave puts out, but I quite enjoyed this! [b:Julia and the Shark|57951862|Julia and the Shark|Kiran Millwood Hargrave|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1650722518l/57951862._SX50_.jpg|90802606] I think got a little dark for me for a middle grade, but this was a beautiful little story.
It had similar themes to Julia, namely the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the search for an elusive animal in a harsh environment, but I enjoyed the direction it went with regard to conservation, global warming and humanity's impact on nature. The parallels between Leila and Miso's journey I think will create a great way to teach kids about migration/refugees, and I think that older readers will find the commentary on the West's treatment of refugees and asylum seekers interesting. Millwood Hargrave always has great messages in her books, but this one feels especially relevant to current events.
Overall a fun, quick read with something for all ages.
Thank you to Orion for providing an ARC to review!
At this point I think we know that I will pick up anything Millwood Hargrave puts out, but I quite enjoyed this! [b:Julia and the Shark|57951862|Julia and the Shark|Kiran Millwood Hargrave|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1650722518l/57951862._SX50_.jpg|90802606] I think got a little dark for me for a middle grade, but this was a beautiful little story.
It had similar themes to Julia, namely the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the search for an elusive animal in a harsh environment, but I enjoyed the direction it went with regard to conservation, global warming and humanity's impact on nature. The parallels between Leila and Miso's journey I think will create a great way to teach kids about migration/refugees, and I think that older readers will find the commentary on the West's treatment of refugees and asylum seekers interesting. Millwood Hargrave always has great messages in her books, but this one feels especially relevant to current events.
Overall a fun, quick read with something for all ages.
talitha's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Goed geschreven, prachtige illustraties en belangrijke thema's. Het einde had wat minder gehaast gekund. Verder een geweldig boek en ik kan niet wachten op een volgend boek van dit duo!
leilah_'s review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
timburbage's review
5.0
Wow. Just wow.
One of Kiran's books is Julia and the Shark, an amazing story about a young girl, whose mother is a scientist and becomes obsessed with an arctic creature. Sounds familiar?
This book isn't just a different side to the same coin, it's a different currency. Leila is the star here, and we see everything through her very narrow viewpoint. Every action that her mum makes, we feel through Leila's eyes.
I was not expecting a story about migration, but actually it is the perfect theme for this book. The fox travels far searching for food and life, and so do people. The fox is free, and doesn't need to worry about borders or passports or visas. Leila and her family do, and it tears them apart.
I loved Liv and Britt in this as well. A mother and daughter going through their own journey alongside Leila and her mother.
Miso's sections are perfect breaks and show the narrowness of thought of a wild animal. Eat things smaller than you. Avoid things bigger than you. Keep moving. Keep surviving.
One final note that the book itself, and all of Tom's art, is imcredible. It matches the beats in the story so well. The colour choices are brilliant. The clear pages are mesmerizing frosted windows into the life of this cute little arctic fox.
Bravo.
One of Kiran's books is Julia and the Shark, an amazing story about a young girl, whose mother is a scientist and becomes obsessed with an arctic creature. Sounds familiar?
This book isn't just a different side to the same coin, it's a different currency. Leila is the star here, and we see everything through her very narrow viewpoint. Every action that her mum makes, we feel through Leila's eyes.
I was not expecting a story about migration, but actually it is the perfect theme for this book. The fox travels far searching for food and life, and so do people. The fox is free, and doesn't need to worry about borders or passports or visas. Leila and her family do, and it tears them apart.
I loved Liv and Britt in this as well. A mother and daughter going through their own journey alongside Leila and her mother.
Miso's sections are perfect breaks and show the narrowness of thought of a wild animal. Eat things smaller than you. Avoid things bigger than you. Keep moving. Keep surviving.
One final note that the book itself, and all of Tom's art, is imcredible. It matches the beats in the story so well. The colour choices are brilliant. The clear pages are mesmerizing frosted windows into the life of this cute little arctic fox.
Bravo.