by Sam Pope
Children’s publishing follows trends and the current one seems focused on encouraging children to be themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, and to own their differences. This is admirable and desirable but sometimes, after the umpteenth title declaring the same message, it is a treat and a privilege to read a book that focuses on more traditional approaches to storytelling – ie actually telling a story! And this is where Zeb Soanes’ and James Mayhew’s gorgeous picture book, Gaspard the Fox, comes in.
Published by Graffeg Books
Radio 4 announcer and author Zeb Soanes based his titular fox on a real urban fox that visits him regularly at his home in London. Gaspard first appeared with an injured leg, and Zeb fed the fox until he recovered … but he had become a regular feature at this point, appearing whenever he heard him return on his bicycle in the evening. Then, one evening, Gaspard revealed that ‘he’ was actually ‘she’ when she brought her cubs to visit him!
Gaspard remains a ‘he’ in the series of books, and in the first one, we follow in Gaspard as he embarks on his first adventure, meeting neighbourhood cat Peter (aka Fluffy – to his horror) and Finty, the feisty escapee dog, on her way. He discovers the delights of leftovers from a festival on the canal, and glows in the friendship offered by other local animals who, contrary to popular belief, don’t really seem to mind foxes all that much. It is easy to see why, in James Mayhew’s sensitive and delightful illustrations, which capture Gaspard’s unique personality so well. Who could not fall in love with such a beautiful fox?
I enjoyed sharing this book with the children at school in our virtual library sessions, and they sat in entranced silence as I read it aloud. The words flow with a comfortable and comforting ease, drawing the reader straight into the colourful and mainly kind world in which Gaspard lives (the sausage seller was not too impressed with Gaspard and Finty, but they were stealing his scraps!). The story focuses on the warmth that friendship brings without adopting a moralistic stance on the matter and, for me, that made it all the more effective. Kindness is in abundance in this book – whether it is shown between animals or between humans and animals – and Gaspard is a character who is easy to adore, with his awe and happy curiosity.
I have been a huge devotee of James Mayhew’s books for children for a while now – his Katie series and Koshka’s Tales, for example, have delighted the children I have shared them with. James’ art style is infused with warmth, love and light and during these times, when we feel rather deprived of comfort, I can think of nothing better than to immerse myself in his welcoming illustrations. There is something infinitely reassuring about his pictures – they manage to capture characters and life at its best, while retaining their unique quality. For me, he is one of the best illustrators we have nowadays.
Currently, there are two more books in this series: Gaspard Best in Show and Gaspard’s Foxtrot, published this March. I will be ordering my copies now – and I encourage you to do so, too! These are the perfect Lockdown treat and a salve for sad souls.
You can follow all the latest Gaspard news on Twitter: @GaspardTheFox and on his own website! https://www.gaspardthefox.com/
Zeb Soanes: http://www.zebsoanes.com/
James Mayhew https://www.jamesmayhew.co.uk/