The Girl and the Fox Cub

On a gray, rainy morning, Sophie walks the path near the woods in her yellow polka-dot raincoat and red rubber boots, hoping to see a rabbit or a bird. Instead, beside the road, she hears a small, frightened squeak and discovers a fox cub no bigger than a kitten, its rusty orange fur soaked and its legs unsteady. Her first thought is to pick the cub up and carry it home, but she recalls her teacher's words about wild animals needing special care and decides on a different course.

Keeping her distance so she will not scare the cub, Sophie records what she observes in her notebook and contacts the wildlife rescue team. Maya, a rescue officer in a dark green uniform, arrives quickly and commends Sophie for calling. From behind a bush they watch together, and Maya explains why the cub must not be touched or crowded: wild mothers often leave their young while they hunt, and patience, quiet and space give the family its best chance to reunite. Written by Jane MEADOW, this gentle nature story can be read on Kids Tale Book.