The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole

"Fox opened the first page of a book. Mole settled cosily, spilling cookie crumbs everywhere. This was how it always was in autumn. 'The Legend of the Scuffling Monster,' read Fox. 'Once upon a time'" Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing. As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox's birthday, Fox too begins to transform... Can Mole recognise what's wrong and fix things before it's too late? The Wind in the Willows meets Poe and the Bronts in this unique picture book that promises an immersive thrill for older children. Told over four chapters, the tone is wry, self-referential, classically gothic and cosily autumnal. With stunning, characterful illustrations, full of hidden details and a thought-provoking story about give and take, appreciation and honesty, this is a book for curling up with on long, dark evenings. From the award-winning creator of Finding the Way to Faraway Valley.