Sam

__**Context**__ The author of 'Fox' is called Margaret Wild. Born in 1948 in Eschew, she is a prestigious Australian author with more then 40 childrens picture books under her name and a few novels. Before becoming a full time writer and delving into her career, Margaret worked as a journalist for newspapers and magazines. Her books explore a diverse range of themes but she is particularly noted for exploring issues of identity, trust, and death. These aspects are also present in 'Fox', especially trust. Over the years, she has won many awards such as the Nan Chauncey award in 2008 and the Childrens Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year award in 2001.

'Fox', illustrated by Ron Brooks, was first published in 2000, start of the 21st century. As it is an Australian book it shows a lot of aussie features such as a burnt, red and dusty landscape. The year 2000 also was when Sydney held the Summer Olympic games and the book coincides with that showing freedom and athleticism as well as cooperation between dog and magpie.

__**Personal**__ I chose this book as it is a book I remember from my childhood and also from primary school where I heard it read. In my opinion it is a great book for all ages with such great messages. As a kid I guess what really made me remember it is the great illustrations which have won many awards. This book teaches people that you can always accomplish more with teamwork. To me it teaches me that the option with the most benefit (fox) is not always as it seems

__**Conclusion**__ The Main meaning/message from this book is that friendship always is better then trying to benefit yourself. It also shows how the seemingly best option from your point of view might not always be as it seems and that you cant trust everyone especially people you dont know. Sometimes you cant have it all and sticking with what youve got can be better then taking a chance, although risks are important.

The visual features in this book are the great illustrations by Ron Brooks. They give the book a really outdoor, Australian feel. The animals expressions also represent their characters really well and you can tell that a lot of work has been put into the art. The language features however are also very interesting. The words are quite big and easy to read/ however on a couple of pages they are on the side and make it harder. I am not sure what the effect of this is. Most of the sentences are quite short and easy for children to understand and create a lot of emotion.