Australian Mem Fox is an acclaimed writer of children’s books. Officially named Merrion Frances Fox, the award-winning author is also a literacy specialist and retired educator. Her books combine enchanting characters and appealing stories, while also helping children to develop and learn. If you’re looking for new book ideas to enjoy with your preschooler, these are our favorite books by Mem Fox, who happens to be our Woodcrest Author of the Month!
Possum Magic
Although written almost four decades ago, Fox’s first book of Possum Magic remains a popular read with young children. The story takes readers on a trip around Australia, as the two main characters — the invisible Hush and Grandma Poss — search for the secret and the special food that will make Hush become visible again. The beautiful illustrations are sure to capture your child’s imagination and help them enter the possum world through their imagination.
Whoever You Are
A great way to introduce children to diversity, Whoever You Are by Mem Fox contains characters from various cultures and ethnic groups. It features global children, making it easier for your little ones to identify with people their own age. The lovely book helps children to understand and celebrate differences and see, in spite of differences, that people across the world share many similarities too.
Tough Boris
Particularly appealing to kids who love swashbuckling pirates, Tough Boris is a tale by Mem Fox about a seemingly mean and fearsome pirate called Boris von der Borch. Readers learn what happens when an innocent little boy sneaks onto Boris’s ship and finds himself surrounded by buccaneers. With a surprising and heart-warming twist, it can teach kids about getting to know people better and avoiding judgment. It’s also an exciting storyline!
Shoes from Grandpa
Mem Fox’s 1992 Shoes from Grandpa is a charming rhyming and rhythmic tale about family bonding, creativity, and intergenerational love between family members. The colorful collage-like illustrations are eye-catching. Interestingly, the idea for the book came to Fox one night as she was laying in bed contemplating buying new socks for her daughter Chloe.
Zoo-Looking
The 32-page picture book, Zoo-Looking, tells the story by Mem Fox of a special bonding day out at the zoo for a father and his child. The images bring an array of animals to life, from tigers, zebras, and camels to panthers, snakes, and penguins. Packed with adjectives, it’s a terrific book for helping your little one to enhance their own descriptive vocabulary.
Let’s Count Goats!
Let’s Count Goats isn’t another dry and dull counting book — it’s filled with vibrant pictures and imaginative scenarios to really engage your child and make them want to learn their numbers. Your little ones are sure to have fun counting the pilot goats, city goats, and goats of all kinds. Ain addition, the book contains lots of adjectives and prepositions to build their literacy skills too. And, the situations and pictures will surely make you and your kid giggle.
