Foxy Tales: The Road to Fame and Fortune

Foxy Dubois dreams of fame and fortune and meeting the man of her dreams in the glamorous world of ‘Jollywood’. The only thing standing in her way is Alphonso; an alligator with an insatiable appetite.  Hitching a ride to Jollywood, Foxy thinks she has left the annoying alligator well and truly behind only to find he has tagged along too. Frustrated and desperate, Foxy decides it is time for drastic action. Posing as Alphonso’s agent she finds him a dangerous job as a stunt double at a film studio and hatches several cunning plans to rid herself of him.  However, these are all to no avail. Thwarted at every attempt, Foxy’s plots are uncovered, thus demonstrating crime really doesn’t pay.

Foxy Dubois first appeared in two picture books by Alex T Smith. This is the second Foxy Tales adventure story by Caryl Hart and Alex T Smith with more to follow.  The characters are introduced in the style of 1930’s Hollywood movies (‘Introducing Foxy Dubois….and special guest Mr Billy Bongo as Mimi’). They have brilliant names; my favourite is Tony Ravioli, owner of the East Street Eazy Diner.

The Road to Fame and Fortune is an amusing story with striking illustrations. The overall book design is very stylish. Additional pages at the back of the book are a nice bonus; these include ‘Foxy Dubois’ Best Movie Guide’, an interview with Alphonso and an ‘Essential Kit for Stunt Doubles’. Younger children will enjoy sharing this story with an adult and will find lots to talk about together, older children would find it great fun to read alone or share with a friend.