The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole

Author & Illustrator: Cecilia Heikkil

Translation: Polly Lawson

📖 Book Information

Publisher: Floris Books September 2025
ISBN: 9781782509530
Recommended age: 6+
Pages: 44
Category: Friendship, tolerance, acceptance

✨ About the Book

Fox and Mole live side by side, alone in the headland. During summers, they enjoy the company of other friends, they chat or play by the sea. But as autumn draws in, they will only have each other again to spend time together. Days become shorter and Mole visits Fox everyday to share stories -and carelessly eat everything Fox has prepared during the summer: jam, cookies and fruity tea. That way they spend the afternoons: Fox reading spooky stories and being a good and attentive host and Mole being disconsiderate to the extreme of forgetting Fox’s birthday!

What happens when Fox, who is generous, tidy and responsible tolerates Mole’s selfishness for too long?

It is up to you to discover the spooky transformation that takes place!

💡 My Review

What I liked about the book:

A simple delightful story about an unusual friendship, full of feelings to explore! The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole will take readers from humour to spooky situations

This is a longer picture book -44 pages- presented in chapters ideal for young readers who are starting to read alone.

The subtle creeping uneasiness of this gothic tale will get children hooked till the end. Surprise awaits at the turn of every page!

The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole is a heartwarming story to teach children -and adults- about the differences friends may have and how,when it is true friendship, problems can be solved. It is also about learning to communicate, to express worries instead of remaining silent until they turn into uncontrollable anger! It is a story about feelings, fear of being alone

Ideas to Enjoy the Story

Talk about friendship and what it takes to be a good friend

the importance of recognising one’s faults

a connection between feelings and seasons

Discuss activities that can be shared with friends and the importance of sharing and being kind to others
Reflect on the importance of expressing worries

📎 Resources (free download)

🌐 About the Author

Cecilia Heikkila is a Swedish graphic designer, author and illustrator. She was awarded The Selma Lagerlof Society’s prize for children and YA literature in 2024. Cecilia is the creator of several acclaimed picture books, including Finding the Way to Faraway Valley and The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole. She lives in Dalarna, Sweden with her dog, Mochi.

Contact: Cecilia Heikkilä