Gaspard the Fox

Product Information

The endpapers provide fox facts and all the places of interest along the route. This wonderful illustration posed quite a challenge for illustrator, James Mayhew, as he painstakingly recreated each side street and landmark to accurately represent the bus route from Islington to Hyde Park. Fans of Mayhew’s hugely successful and utterly delightful Katie books (including Katie In Londonand Katie’s London Christmas) will be delighted with this new journey through the capital. This title provides a model for the teaching of literacy, art and music – now that is the kind of 3 for the price of 1 we all want on our bookshelves! A super next read for fans of The Queen’s Hatby Steve Antony (which was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra) and the perfect bridging text to Peter and the Wolf. At a time when staycations and outdoor performance are gaining enormous popularity, this is a timely tale to encourage children to enjoy the arts in any way available to them. So join with us and ‘civilise’ the next generation by immersing them in the words, art and music of this incredible picture book that will inspire a lifelong love of culture in all its many facets.

Lucy Drever will host two live sessions online in advance of the concert! Expect fun and games, links to the resources, what to expect from the concert and some special RSNO guests.The vocabulary is delightfully challenging. Phrases such as ‘civilise the bees’ and ‘brightly lit signs enticed tourists’, make this a joy to read aloud and ideal for enriching children’s own writing. The story really does read well. I laughed out loud when Peter, who is my favourite character (as both a cat lover and a lexophile!), fell off the sofa in surprise to see his fox pal take the stage.

I found the part of the story, where Gaspard is peering into his friend’s window, watching the two men laugh together, very uplifting. It’s lovely to have gay characters in a children’s story who ‘just are’ and whose relationship isn’t made into a big deal. How important was it to you to include this scene? Book Two will be published in August and I’m already working on a third. Fred is yet to make an appearance, but you’ve just given me an idea 😉

Join us for Gaspard's Foxtrot - the RSNO's 2022 National Schools Concert Programme - featuring free concerts across Scotland, a special concert film, teaching resources, and more! With a variety of in-person and digital opportunities for young learners, primary and secondary schools, and teachers, this year’s activity builds on last year’s successful National Schools Concert Programme, ensuring that everyone can take part. Introducing children to classical music in their formative years, nurturing their creativity and well-being. Enhancing and enriching children’s learning through partnerships with professional arts companies, creative adults, and cultural organisations. Alongside the digital concert, you will have access to digital resources, an online workshop with Lucy Drever, and teacher CPD.

I was saddened to read that there has been ‘a spate of attempts around the world to remove titles depicting gay or transgender characters from library shelves’ (The Guardian, January 2019). Why do you think children’s books that explore the lives of gay and transgender characters and present a variety of relationships are still so important? What is it like seeing your story illustrated with such beautiful, warm artwork by James Mayhew? What was your working relationship like? What do you think James’s illustrations add to the story? I know you grew up in Lowestoft, which was also a favourite place for my family to visit every year when we went on holiday to Norfolk. When you moved to London, did you feel like Gaspard at all – overwhelmed by the business and bustle?

Zeb Soanes Press Reviews

The programme is only open to schools in Scotland due to licensing. If you teach at a Scottish school but are currently based outside Scotland, you are welcome to register for the programme providing the details of the school at which you teach. He is also the creator of the Katie art books and Ella Bella Ballerina series. He has worked with many orchestras and musicians including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, painting illustrations live on stage to performances of classical music, including The Firebird, Scheherazade and Pictures at an Exhibition.

James makes all his illustrations with traditional tools, mainly using pen and ink, and watercolours. He created his own new shade of ink especially for teh Gaspard the Fox books, which he calls ‘Gaspard Red’. Equipping teachers with the skills and increased knowledge that they need to confidently deliver music in the classroom. I have been a huge devotee of James Mayhew’s books for children for a while now – his Katieseries 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.

LoveReading4Kids Says

Before starting to read the story, look at the cover image together and talk about where this story takes place and what might happen to the fox. Read the story aloud to your child pausing to talk about what is happening in the story or pictures or any unfamiliar words. Join in Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit more about Gaspard the Fox and what inspired this story?