Fox Plays Ball

School Library Journal Best Books of 2024

The mischievous and fun-loving Fox is back in another humorous and surprising I Can Read, from Caldecott Honor– and three-time Geisel Award–winning author-illustrator Corey Tabor.

Fox is ready to play ball!

So are Elephant, Rabbit, Bear…and Snail.

But who will win the game?

• Funny Kids Book: Watch Fox, Elephant, Rabbit, and Bear all try to catch the ball—and miss! This silly, repetitive story is perfect for read-aloud giggles.
• An Unlikely Underdog: While the big animals chase and dive, a tiny snail joins the game. Get ready for a surprise ending that proves size doesn’t matter.
• Perfect for Beginning Readers: With simple sentences, word repetition, and clear illustrations, this Level 1 "I Can Read" book helps build confidence for children just starting to read on their own.
• A Sweet Story of Sportsmanship: More than just a game, it’s a charming tale about playing together and being a good friend, win or lose.

“New readers win when they play football with Fox and company. . . . Tabor’s perennially clever, stylish art offers unexpected perspectives and angles, and the action scenes will keep readers in suspense. In the more sedate scenes, the understated illustrations will allow youngsters to concentrate on the few and well-chosen words and to appreciate Tabor’s subtle scene-setting, buildup, and humor. Another victory from a master of the early reader.” - Kirkus Reviews