Mungo on His Own

An Indie Next Pick!
Written by the author of the Caldecott-winning FIREWORKS!

A young fox’s adventure becomes a comforting story about independence and resilience from award-winning author Matthew Burgess and rising-star illustrator Julie Benbassat.

This lush picture book supports social emotional learning while helping children process the excitement—and uncertainty—of doing things on their own. Gentle suspense keeps readers engaged while the tender resolution offers reassurance.

One evening, young Mungo ventures into the forest to find the sweet, red berries he’s been dreaming about. But he soon finds that foraging alone can be hard for a kit like him, and Mungo gets lost. Very lost! Will he find the berries—and his way back home—all on his own?

With suspense, daring, and foxy resolve, here is a story for children ready to celebrate exploring the unknown and the joy of returning to the cozy warmth of home.

★ "A comforting lap time or cozy winter storytime read." - Booklist (starred review)

"Kids looking to go a bit feral after snack time will appreciate Mungo’s success as an argument for their own independence, and helicopter parents might take a lesson or two from mom’s free-range approach." - Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

"Youngsters will fall for this cute little fox on his exciting journey of courage and growth." - Kirkus Reviews