The Outfoxed Fox

Hundreds of years ago in the mountains of Japan, there lived a hunter who trapped many foxes. People warned him that foxes were cunning creatures that possessed great magic, but he ignored them.One day, the bossy old fox leader declared they must stop the hunter and that he had the perfect plan. But a young fox with crooked whiskers knew that a simple plan is often best. To prove it, he showed both the hunter and the leader just how cunning a fox can be! Whimsical illustrations rendered in pencil, water-color, oil paint, and colored pencil by Ariel Ya-Wen Pang add to the charm of this Japanese tale based on a traditional kyogen. An author’s note is included.

Author Tim Myers is a writer, storyteller, and songwriter who lives in Santa Clara, California. He is also the author of The Furry-Legged Teapot, Basho and the Fox, Basho and the River Stones, and Tanuki’s Gift: A Japanese Tale.

Illustrator Ariel Ya-Wen Pang was born in Taipei, Taiwan. After high school, she attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco and graduated in 2000. Ms. Pang returned to Taiwan, where she devotes her time to promoting art for children. In addition to traditional illustration, she is skilled at computer graphics, Web design, and handcrafts. Her books have won several prizes in Taiwan. Her illustrations are like Ms. Pang herself―bright, joyful, and whimsical.