Author(s): Elissa de Waard

Picture Books

Fredrick isn't like other foxes. He is a vegetarian and wants to be the first fox to land on the moon when he is older. Yet, he also finds it impossible to make friends because others immediately fear him for being a fox. When a new neighbour called Ada moves into his favourite gum tree, Fredrick is excited to meet her. However, Ada gets a fright as Fredrick approaches and Fredrick is disheartened and feels that the same thing is happening all over again.Fredrick tells Ada that he won't hurt her, but to no avail. As he's walking away, Ada has a change of heart when she realises Fredrick wanted her to be safe after all and calls out to him. Fredrick is grateful for the chance to tell her about himself - it is an opportunity for her to get to know him for who he is, not for what he is. Ada slowly comes down the tree and apologises for judging Fredrick. She acknowledges how difficult it must be for Fredrick to make friends because he is a fox. Fredrick asks if they could be friends, to which Ada excitedly agrees, and he invites her for in breakfast.