Published: 3rd April 2020
Publisher: Anderson
Illustrator: Margaret Sturton
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars
Meet Herbert, the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mommy isn’t looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mommy doesn’t understand; why can’t he just be a good rabbit?
This delightful picture book is a true celebration of being ourselves and supporting our loved ones. Let this joyful tale inspire you to be who you are and follow your dreams.
The story is a simple one about identity, there is no bigger meaning or explanation. Herbert feels like a fox and wants to look like one.
I liked that it isn’t an explicit animal allegory for trans or gender diverse kids, it is an entry level to identity and being able to be the identity you feel inside with support and understanding. The fact you have to find meaning yourself is fantastic because it can mean so many different things to different people on a range of different levels. The simplicity of it means you can read whatever you want into it without the text telling us what it’s meant to mean.
The illustrations are cute. Sturton’s designs are playful and she captures the playfulness and childlike innocence of Herbert. The colours are great and the full page spreads juxtaposed against the white space and the text works well in telling the story.
There are certainly other stories out there more complicated, more literal, and more detailed about identity but I liked that this doesn’t put Herbert in any particular category. He isn’t labelled, he isn’t trying to change anything right now. He only wants his mum to understand he doesn’t feel like the rabbit she thinks he is. Feeling like you are in the wrong body can mean a lot of different things, and the fact Sturton doesn’t choose one path for Herbert means this book can be interpreted by a lot more people, and maybe help them understand that there is nothing wrong in finding a body you are more comfortable in.
You can purchase A Fox Called Herbert via the following
QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s
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