  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 PreS-Gr 1—Siblings Roxie and Lukie venture back to the park they left earlier to search for Roxie's jump rope. Much to their surprise, they come across a group of fox pups using it in their own game. As Roxie attempts to retrieve the jump rope, the children learn that it had been a wish come true for the littlest fox; her name is Roxie, too, just like the painted name on the rope's handle. Wishes are a powerful thing, and granting them may foment even more generosity. Aman chooses her words deliberately and paces the narrative carefully. But it is Sakai's pencil, pen, and acrylic illustrations that give the tale its believability. Wide-eyed and cherubic, Lukie and Roxie evoke the work of Eloise Wilkin without any of the sentimentality, and the cavorting foxes are magically airborne without any anthropomorphism. VERDICT A strong addition that is perfect for a small group storytime or a quiet moment one-on-one with a favorite wish granter.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/15/2017 This gentle story—originally published in Japan in 2003 and the winner of the Japan Picture Book Award—explores the fantasy of having a wish magically come true. A little fox wishes for a game to play. So when human Roxie and her little brother, Lukie, return to the park to find their lost jump rope, they stumble upon a group of foxes using it, shouting, “Turn to the east, and turn to the west, and choose the one that you like best.” The little vixens are good jumpers, but their tails keep getting caught in the rope. Roxie shows them how to keep their tails straight up their backs, and they have instant success. All jump together with airborne glee. The artwork in acrylic, gouache, oil pencil, and pen portrays adorable children softly outlined, and the 10 leaping foxes appear against a sea of park greenery. Layered paintings in muted yellows and greens contrast with Roxie’s black dress and bright red hair ribbon. A charming and playful exploration of wish fulfillment. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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