Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up

July 1, 2011

K-Gr 2-In this fourth picture book about Miss Fox and her class, the teacher helps her students adopt a healthier lifestyle. They visit Nurse Weasel, who gives them nutritious recipes that incorporate their favorite foods. At recess, they do fun exercises with Mr. Moose, the principal, and Mr. Mole, the custodian; in class, they share solutions for sleeplessness. A few children weaken when they are around video games or candy, but their classmates are able to distract them with a game of tag or a healthy treat. During Field Day, Miss Fox's students win the Mud Jump, the Potato Roll, and the Banana Relay, but they don't receive their prizes because of a mix-up at the store. The youngsters happily accept the "I Love Knitting" buttons, though, because they realize that the benefits of being fit are better than any other reward they could receive. The cartoonlike watercolor and ink illustrations are filled with movement and detail. The "Health and Fitness Tips" on the endpapers are accompanied by scenes from the story.-Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2011
Grades K-3 When Miss Fox realizes that her students are neither healthy nor fit, she provides them with the information and motivation to eat right, sleep well, and exercise more. As the creative teacher answers seemingly insurmountable objections, class members help each other change old habits, make healthy choices, and enjoy their Field Day competitions. The story's point is plain from the outset, but Spinelli creates plenty of fun along the way. Full of energy and humor, Kennedy's colorful line-and-wash illustrations depict high-spirited dressed-animal characters acting their parts (and acting up) in a convincingly childlike way. A fine addition to the Miss Fox's Class series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)