The Fox on the Swing

The Fox on a Swing is a book about a boy who didn't want to miss anything, he always had his eyes open and took in all the wonders of the everyday world wrapped in everyday routine. But what he liked best was the old swing in the park. Not because he swung on it but because of a fox who liked to sleep and swing there. Through the relationship that builds between the boy and the fox, we witness life's ups and downs, the good times and the bad times and asks the question; What is happiness? Is it a fox swinging on a swing, or is it all things orange, or is it what is right in front of us? This book would be great to use in PSHE or as a reading comprehension where inferred meaning and symbolism could be explored, particularly in Key Stage 2. Younger children could simply discuss and share ideas about what makes us happy; is it the same for everyone, can we expect happiness to exist at all times or will it disappear or move on as is the case with the fox and boy? It is a book which explores change and the feelings of loneliness, isolation and transition. What can we do in times where happiness is not swinging on the swing? Or is it that it is always there in everything and everybody around us but there are times when we simply cannot see it? Lots to think about and to discuss. Picture book / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 7+