Overview

""Fox opened the first page of a book. Mole settled cosily, spilling cookie crumbs everywhere. This was how it always was in autumn. 'The Legend of the Scuffling Monster,' read Fox. 'Once upon a time...'"" Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing. As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform... Can Mole recognise what's wrong and fix things before it's too late? This humorously hair-raising gothic tale, told in four chapters, is perfect for older picture book lovers to curl up with on long, dark evenings.

Full Product Details

9781782509530

Table of Contents

Reviews

Praise for Finding the Way to Faraway Valley: 'A restrained, lyrical tone makes Faraway Valley magical for readers... A beautifully illustrated picture book with an environmental theme.' --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW 'This moving tale weaves a gentle moral of conservation through the story of a little bear's adventure with his grandfather.' --Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW 'This is a gentle clarion call to protect Earth's wild spaces.' --Kirkus Reviews 'A book about wonder, persistence, and preservation.' --Los Angeles Book Review 'A timely tale about the need to protect and preserve wild spaces.' --School Library Journal

'Equal parts cozy and spooky, this autumnal picture book demonstrates the importance of openness among friends -- and the monstrous consequences of hidden resentments.' -- Foreword Reviews, Starred Review 'Fantastic. Just the right level of chills, with a message that some of us (read: me) probably should take to heart... Delightful stuff.' -- Betsy Bird, School Library Journal 'This lightly gothic picture book for readers seeking a ""slightly spooky"" story illustrates the dual perils of taking more than we give and not asking for what we need.' -- Shelf Awareness 'This delightfully subversive book dances along the edges of horror... A fantastic pick for a Halloween readaloud.' -- The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books 'A thrilling and spooky tale that teaches the importance of caring for others and being considerate of others' feelings.' -- Adrien Carter, YA Books Central 'Easy to read and fun to look at. This could be a good introduction to scarier stories for young children.' -- Samantha Gregory, YA Books Central 'A cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it... An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!' -- Literary Potpourri 'A simple delightful story about an unusual friendship, full of feelings to explore! The subtle creeping uneasiness of this gothic tale will get children hooked till the end.' -- Un viaje en libro 'If you're looking for a book with cozy, cottage core autumn vibes, look no further... A book about bravery, manners, and learning to communicate, this is yet another book that can be just as valuable for adults as it is for the children they read it to.' -- Kathryn Brostowitz, Boswell Book Company (US Indie Bookshop) 'What makes this story so memorable is its simplicity in transmitting the weight of such a feeling, as is fear, through easy-flowing sentences and immeasurably vivid illustrations... I found myself wanting to experience it again as though for the first time.' -- Chantel, Goodreads Reviewer 'The spookiest, most delightful book... we are obsessed!' -- Our Modern Playroom (Instagram)

Author Information

Cecilia Heikkila is a Swedish graphic designer, author and illustrator. She was awarded The Selma Lagerlof Society's prize for children and YA literature in 2024. Cecilia is the creator of several acclaimed picture books, including Finding the Way to Faraway Valley and The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole. She lives in Dalarna, Sweden with her dog, Mochi.

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