Miss Fox's Class Gets It Wrong

June 1, 2012
When her class starts to see Miss Fox in the frequent company of Officer Blue Fox, rumors start to fly that their teacher is in trouble with the law. Young Bear sees the officer stop Miss Fox on her bike. He tells his classmates. Then Frog sees the policeman escorting his teacher into the police station. He shares, as well. And when the class starts seeing the pair together more often, the rumors and gossip really get going. They wonder why she is in so much trouble--after all, "Miss Fox believe[s] in peace. And in recycling." They spy her in a floppy red hat and sunglasses "disguise" and then spot her placing a suitcase in her car. But the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back is the travel brochure on Miss Fox's desk. They rush to assure their beloved teacher (who is accompanied by Officer Blue Fox!) that they will visit her in jail. Adults, and some children, will see the resolution coming a mile away. But their teacher cannot leave for her honeymoon without one last lesson about getting all the facts straight before spreading stories about other people. Kennedy's anthropomorphized multi-species cast of characters is as charming and expressive as ever, especially when envisioning Miss Fox in black-and-white stripes. Sly clues sprinkled throughout point readers to the big reveal at the end. This lesson on gossip and rumors goes down like a spoonful of sugar. (Picture book. 4-8)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 2-3-The rumor mill runs strong in Miss Fox's class when a student spots the teacher being led into the police station by Officer Blue Fox. As the pair are spotted more and more often in different locations throughout town, the children become convinced that Miss Fox is a fugitive from the law about to make her escape to Hawaii. The truth, as most adults will surmise by the second page, is that Miss Fox and Officer Blue Fox are getting married and planning a honeymoon in the islands. When the youngsters finally confront their teacher, rumors are put to rest and celebration ensues. All of the students attend the wedding, during which the new Mrs. Fox imparts these words of wisdom: "Use your imagination for your schoolwork-not for rumors and gossip. Make sure you have all the facts straight before you start telling stories about others." Fans of this series will enjoy this adventure, although the text is a bit long. Still, it will serve as a good discussion starter. For a version of this lesson for younger children, suggest Holly Keller's Help! A Story of Friendship (HarperCollins, 2007).-Jasmine Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

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