The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

by Peter Spier

Overview

This Caldecott Honor book from beloved illustrator Peter Spier is a spirited take on a classic American folk song.

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times 
 
Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780440408291
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	07/01/1994
Series:	Picture Yearling Book
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	115,265
Product dimensions:	10.31(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.18(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

PETER SPIER was one of America's most popular and renowned children's illustrators. His books, acclaimed by critics and readers alike, won numerous awards and honors: Noah's Ark won the Caldecott Medal and The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night is a Caldecott Honor Book. His book People was awarded the Christopher medal, was nominated for an American Book Award, and received the National Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for "outstanding contributions to better human relations and the cause of brotherhood."

Spier was born and educated in Amsterdam. Before coming to the United States he served in the Royal Dutch Navy. He illustrated more than 100 books and was also an avid and celebrated builder of model ships. Peter Spier died in 2017 at the age of 89.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

A Caldecott Honor Book, An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

Editorial Reviews

A Caldecott Honor Book

An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times 

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 3
This Caldecott Honor book (Doubleday, 1961) illustrated by Peter Spier tells the story of the old folk song, "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night," about a fox who leaves his family to go to town in search of some dinner. He is successful at the farmer's house where he catches a grey goose and a duck. The fox is too fast for the farmer and his wife and manages to get his catch home where his family enjoys a delicious dinner. Read by incomparable children's entertainer Tom Chapin, the story is told at a nice lyrical pace. Subtle sound effects enhance the narration and bring to life Spier's beautiful illustrations that alternate between full color and black and white. As the book ends with the music and lyrics to the song, the reading of the story is followed by Chapin performing the song in all of its folksy glory. A fine addition to all collections for young children.
—Veronica SchwartzCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

For the farmer, there’s nothing to appreciate about a pesky fox stealing poultry from the henhouse. But for the fox’s kits‚ there’s nothing like the triumphant return of dad with food to the den, and for the listener there’s nothing like Tom Chapin performing this well-loved folk song. As narrator, Chapin is direct and unobtrusive as he lets Peter Spier's award-winning illustrations share the story. Background music is light, and well-selected sound effects heighten the setting. Chapin’s music brings animation and pleasure. The fox's step is quick and light; Mother Giggle Gaggle is indignant; the hunting horns, majestic; and the feast, resplendent. Children will enjoy the "quack, quack, quack" and "bones-o, bones-o" refrains. A.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

JUN/JUL 07 - AudioFile