Synopsis
Miss Felicity Fox is a wonderful teacher. She buys donuts and chocolate cakes with lovely pink icing for all the children in her class. All the children love Miss Fox. All, that is, except naughty Lily Lamb, the naughtiest girl in school. When Miss Fox takes the class on a long and lonely nature walk, Lily is the only one who suspects that Miss Fox's dazzling smile conceals a sinister scheme . . . This deliciously Dahl-esque story appeals to children's love of dark, mordant humor.
Children's Literature
When Miss Felicity Fox introduces herself as a "WONDERFUL" teacher, everyone in Class Two is impressed except Lily Lamb. Headstrong Lily doesn't like to be told what to do and she asks questions, while the others enjoy the yummy treats Miss Fox brings. The other students stay inside to listen to Miss Fox's stories instead of playing outside, and they grow lazy and fat. Lily plays hopscotch and stays nimble. On the last day of term, Miss Fox prepares to take the class on a nature walk. "We'd follow you anywhere," the class choruses, while Lily refuses to follow her lead. When it becomes clear why Miss Fox has been fattening them all up, it's clever Lily who must save the day. But have we seen the last of Miss Fox? If we had any doubt about Miss Fox's intentions, her sly portrait with licking tongue and glinting eyes midway through the dramatic narrative would remove them. Swain's concentrated watercolors and colored pencils produce a variety of anthropomorphic young animals, a foxy lady, and of course a feisty Lily, complete with curly hair. Although a bit cartoon-y, they are very believable. The tale offers support for the non-conformist, along with the fun of seeing who can guess the ending first. Be sure to follow the goody trail across the endpapers.