Always and Forever - Hardcover

Durant, Alan; Debi Gliori

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 015216636X ISBN 13: 9780152166366

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 2004

Synopsis

When Fox dies, Mole, Hare, and Otter have a hard time adjusting to his loss until Squirrel reminds them of all the good times they shared in the past--reassuring them that Fox will always be alive in their hearts and minds.

About this title

About the Authors

ALAN DURANT is a highly regarded author of books for children of all ages. He lives in London.

DEBI GLIORI has illustrated many beloved picture books, including Joyce Dunbar's Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep and Tell Me What It's Like to Be Big, along with her own Penguin Post and No Matter What. She lives near Edinburgh, Scotland.

ALAN DURANT is a highly regarded author of books for children of all ages. He lives in London.

DEBI GLIORI has illustrated many beloved picture books, including Joyce Dunbar'sTell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep and Tell Me What It's Like to Be Big, along with her ownPenguin Post and No Matter What. She lives near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 3–Otter, Mole, Fox, and Hare share a house in the woods. When Fox dies, the other three struggle with their grief. By remembering the love, wisdom, and support he showed them and the funny things he used to do, they are able to create a memorial for him. As they sit in the garden they made in honor of him, they realize that Fox is with them "always and forever" in their memories and in their laughter. Durant's sensitive text explores a difficult topic without rushing the characters' stages of grief. Gliori's large and appealing watercolors are charming and warm. Unfortunately, Hare and Fox look too much alike, which may confuse some young readers. The tone is similar to Susan Varley's Badger'sParting Gifts (HarperCollins, 1984), but here Fox's death, being much more literal, is less abstract. This story will fill requests for books to share with children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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PreS-Gr. 1. British storyteller Durant tells a gentle tale about animal friends who cope with the death of a loved one. Otter, Mole, Fox, and Hare live happily together in a snug tree home, but in the autumn, Fox grows ill and dies, and his friends find his body in the woods, "still and cold, covered in leaves." After burying Fox, his friends grieve through the winter, until their friend Squirrel visits in spring and encourages them to share funny, fond memories. By laughing, they find ways to move past their grief and hold Fox "in their hearts and their memories." Durant's spare sentences have an appealing, poetic rhythm that reinforces the story's tender, reassuring tone. Gliori's charming, richly colored illustrations don't shy away from the reality of death (Fox's body is shown curled up under a tree), but the detailed scenes of the affectionate friends and their cozy home and garden will comfort children. Pair this with Mindy Avra Portnoy's Where Do People Go When They Die?, reviewed on p.1847. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 015216636X
• ISBN 13: 9780152166366
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32