Leila and the Blue Fox

Kiran is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Julia and the Shark left both my son and I longing for more and we have consumed Leila and The Blue Fox with just as much page turning wonder and awe thanks to the beautiful text and stunning illustrations.This beautiful and moving story is based on the true story of Anna the fox who travelled2,743, miles over sea ice and glaciers l during a 76-day polar marathon. from Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago of Norway, to Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada.Climate change is manipulating their behaviour and dwindling sea ice will limit the range of these beautiful creature, risking populations becoming geographically and genetically isolated.Kiran cleverly takes the journey of a fox, Miso in this story and tells it parallel to the healing journey of a mother and daughter as they track the fox.Leila and her Mum fled fighting in Damascus . Upon arriving in the UK, Leila was left in the care of her Aunt and Cousin while her Mum took employment in Norway conducting scientific research.When Leila leaves the UK to see her Mum for the first time in six years, she never imagined they would be tracking a blue fox together, or that the journey would help her discover her Mum’s story and reasoning as they both heal from their own migration.Just like Misso the Blue Fox, Leila and Mum are often propelled by fear and longing. As Miso crosses territories and borders, Leila realises that everyone should have equal rights, irrespective of where they were born or fled from.This book is so compelling and powerful, it raises awareness about the harrowing journeys both people and animals make in order to survive. It also portrays the fragility of our planet and it’s inhabitants in a moving and awe inspiring manor. Leaving the reader able to feel the icy purity of the artic as they breathe deep into the wonderful book.I really hope that there’s a sequel to this book, where Mum and Leila discuss their own journey from Damascus and grow back into their familiar closeness.

Another fabulous book from the mind of Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I loved Julia and the Shark and was, therefore, very excited to learn of Leila and the Blue Fox. It didn't disappoint!Leila's journey helps the reader understand both the climate issues facing our world currently and the plight of refugees displaced around the worldHer writing allows the imagination to see the story, with the settings being described beautifully and the characters written so well they become likeable and real.I preordered the hard copy of this title after reading just the first chapter.

A very thoughtful and heart warming story. Leila and ther relationship with her mother is portrayed with both tension and growing understanding. The fox is always a wild animal but we closely follow the journey over the ice. When all the humans are following on the ice it is a bit worrying. There is also the message of a warming climate and the danger of melting sea ice.

Bought this for my niece. She adores anything fox related! Someone will have to read it to her as she is 6 years old. She is very excited to start it.

My granddaughter loves this books