School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A fox chases a clever mouse into a library. Fox has never been in one before, which allows Mouse to teach him a little bit about the mysterious building while distracting him from his previous intention. Fox is intrigued by the idea of reading and borrowing books, leaving immediately with a volume about a farmer and chickens. Mouse tries to show him that borrowing books is a privilege, but Fox does what he wants, and he leaves without getting a library card. He returns with a chicken in his mouth, wanting to research the dangers of chicken bones. After some more confusing escapades, including a scene in which Mouse begins to practice magic tricks, Fox and Chicken become friends and begin reading together. The tale suffers from choppy dialogue and a meandering plot. The loose, soft illustrations are dark and lackluster, and the pages with black text on red background are difficult to read.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
The action begins when Mouse smells a fox and is chased into the library. From fiction to nonfiction to audiobooks, clever Mouse distracts Fox by educating it on library rules and resources. It's no surprise when Fox chooses knowledge and adventure over mealtime. Hastily rendered illustrations are expressive and provide some minimal humor but fail to rescue this slight, contrived German import. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Picture-book stories that feature the library are bound to have an instant audience, but unfortunately, in this case, the tale doesn't stack up. A mouse is enjoying some peace and quiet until a fox chases her into the library. Scheherazade-like, Mouse distracts the fox from eating her by demonstrating all of the resources of the library. (Unfortunately for the local poultry, the first book she reads to him is about a fox chasing chickens.) Returning the next night, Fox asks Mouse to read a story to him since he can't read; Mouse is busy learning to be a magician, so she suggests he look for the book on a CD. He returns again with a chicken clenched in his jaws. She has told him that chicken bones are bad for him, and he has come to the library to confirm this; Mouse suggests an encyclopedia. When the nowlibrary-crazy Fox takes out a stack of books all at one time, Mouse cautions him that he can only take 10. From the appealing cover to the exaggerated ending, it's the delightful, colored-pencil illustrations that will attract readers. The storyline is well-intentioned, using the animal characters as an obvious contrivance to highlight the things libraries offer. However, both the device and the writing are belabored and do not serve the theme well. Moreover, the riff on the "fox in the henhouse" lays a narrative egg. Better picture-book invitations and initiations to the library are available, so skip this one. (Picture book. 5-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
When Fox chases Mouse into the library to fill his belly, he doesn't expect to instead fill his noggin with new knowledge or to befriend a chicken! Among the stacks, a cast of clever animals use distraction tactics to avoid becoming Fox's dinner. They deliver library facts, share magic tricks, and spout knowledge: Chicken bones are bad for foxes. In the end, Fox may not have found his ideal snack, but he does discover a curiosity for books. The text feels purposeful at times, but the sly humor is reminiscent of Jon Klassen's I Want My Hat Back (2011), while the full-spread illustrations are filled with motion and will keep young listeners anticipating each page turn. An entertaining introduction to library etiquette for young children, this title will partner well with Tad Hills' How Rocket Learned to Read (2010), which also celebrates the excitement of learning.--Miller, Annie Copyright 2010 Booklist