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Lucy and the Waterfox

by David Robinson

32 pages; Saddle stitched; illustrated; catalogue #04-0120; ISBN 1-4120-2292-4; US$16.99, C$22.00, EUR14.30, £9.91

A heart-warming story about how the power of words and opinions held by others shape our beliefs about ourselves as told through Lucy, a little red fox who can fly.

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts or table of contents      catalogue info

Reviews of Lucy and the Waterfox Lucy and The Waterfox is the best kind of story- fully enjoyable in its own right and at the same time loaded with metaphors that communicate life strategies and encourage possibility. Over the years I have worked extensively with families in transition- families moving from one country and culture to another, and often then to yet another and another. Their internationally mobile lives offer the children in these families immensely rich opportunity, and yet significant challenge as well: the challenge of being different from and mis-understood by their peers, of being confused by the unfamiliar in each new setting they encounter, of feeling Ôterminally unique.' I encourage parents and teachers to facilitate childrenÕs transition and identity issues through story. I am delighted to now be able to add Lucy and The Waterfox to the list of stories I recommend. Lucy and The Waterfox, in lyrical language and beautiful illustration, reminds us to honor that in us which reaches out to learn. It invites us to relax when we encounter the new and unfamiliar, to release our struggles so that the new experiences can themselves support us. It shows us the value of finding a 'cultural informant' to teach us how to swim in foreign waters. Perhaps most importantly for children in transition, it affirms that itÕs okay to be different: we can be wholly who we are, refusing to limit ourselves to the parameters that others might confine us to, and still be a part of the community around us. These ideas are too abstract for a young child to grasp in formal discussion, but when a parent or teacher uses a story like this one to spark a conversation, then meaning can be made. Barbara F. Schaetti, Ph.D. -------------------------------------------------- In this era of test scores and standards, Lucy and the Waterfox speaks to us about having the confidence to be individuals and express our uniqueness. Although it is written for children, the message is universal.Ê The world is full of nay-sayers who have established rigid stereotypes in an attempt to define us all as the same.ÊThis story provides a wonderful illustration of the power those stereotypes have on us when we internalize them. Through the power of her belief in the possibilities Lucy learns to follow her heart to become the individual that is inside each of us. Ê The book is a "must read" for all kids and the art that runs through it celebrates the beauty of life. Arnie Glassberg Superintendent of Schools About the Book Lucy is a little red fox who has a secret; she can fly. Her heart soars when she takes to the skies. One afternoon, after her fellow foxes see her flying, they shame her, yelling, "Everyone knows that foxes can't fly." Lucy hears their words and for a brief moment, believes them, and falls to the ground. This only reinforces her self-doubt. She begins to lose her playful spunk and the sheen of her coat grows duller by the day. Lucy has become a sad, disheartened, and disempowered little fox. One night the wise old story fox appears out of the forest to share an evening of foxlore with Lucy's pack. He tells the story of Milton, a young fox that was long ago banished from the land for learning to swim like a fish. It was the banishment of Milton that gave rise to the popular saying used by older foxes when they see the young ones straying, "You don't want to end up like Milton, remember, ..." and they chant, "Neither fox nor fish." The old story fox's tale unsettles Lucy. After tossing and turning and trying to sleep (counting sheep doesn't work for a fox), Lucy goes to the pond for a drink. There, she meets the wise old story-fox. Through the magic of this encounter, she learns to believe in herself again, her paws lift from the ground and she, once again, points her nose up and takes to the skies. About the Author David Robinson was the Artistic Director of The Dimensions Theatre Project, General Manager of The Seattle Shakespeare Company and founder and director of The McCandless Communications Academy. He is currently adjunct faculty at Antioch University, and creative consultant to organizations, publishers, educational institutions, and individuals. He is a theatre artist and painter. This is his first children's book.

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Excerpts from Lucy And The Waterfox

From pages 4 and 5

From page 13

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From pages 16 and 17

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Catalogue Information

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