Finnegan Fox

“The text’s soothing rhythm, rhymes, and near-rhymes set an appropriately tender tone from the start… . The beauty of the text—enhanced by Nichols’ stylized, gently humorous, folk art–esque illustrations—lies in the wisdom of the anxious kit’s family members. They encourage Finnegan to come outside but also give him the space and time to make that decision on his own terms. The book closes with an eloquent author’s note in which Gilstrap discusses her childhood experiences with agoraphobia. A sweet confidence builder.” —Kirkus Reviews“Gilstrap demonstrates how the supportive and patient family members understand and respect Finnegan’s need to wait until he is ready to venture out of the safe and familiar. Full of simple emotional intelligence, the narrative helps children grasp that peers may need time before tackling new things, and that all that is required of them is patience and support. An author’s note at the back connects Gilstrap’s childhood experience with agoraphobia to the social needs amongst community members; Gilstrap makes a compelling case for adding this to school collections with a dearth of books on the subject. Illustrations … gently convey the coziness of the woodland scenes and provide striking contrast to the bright orange of the foxes… . Nichols succeeds at bringing a moonlit night in the woods to life. A welcome addition for younger readers, who may be just beginning to understand that everyone is ready for new things, but on their own timetables.” —School Library Journal

Katie Gilstrap, author of Spacemanatee! and Penny Lu Porcupine, is a wildlife advocate and former veterinary technician from south-central Kansas. Diagnosed with panic disorder and OCD at an early age, Katie strives to celebrate neurodiversity in children’s literature by writing kid-friendly books that inspire confidence, courage, and self-acceptance.

Lori Nichols has written and illustrated numerous books, including The Light in Me Sees the Light in You and her books about nature-loving sisters Maple and Willow (Maple, Maple & Willow Together, Maple & Willow Apart, and Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree), which the New York Times Book Review called “utterly charming.” She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband.

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