A Mouse Called Julian

Julian isn’t a very sociable mouse. In fact, he goes to great lengths to avoid all the other mice as well as the various predators above ground – cats, owls, the farmer and her dog. Unfortunately, a fox has been spying on Julian, and one day, he pokes his head through a window and right into Julian’s house!

However, instead of gobbling Julian up, the fox realises he’s stuck, and after some time, Julian timidly offers him some food. Perhaps it’s nicer to enjoy a meal with someone rather than eat them… and maybe it’s quite nice to have a friend, after all – even when you both still prefer to be alone most of the time.

Joe Todd-Stanton’s new book is as full of his stylish, recognisable illustration as his previous books, The Secret of Black Rock, Arthur and the Golden Rope and Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx. With Julian and the Fox, he subtly explores themes of tolerance and kindness with a deft hand.

It’s lovely that Julian and the fox, even though they become friends, still prefer their own company most of the time, reminding children that it’s OK to be yourself and have the friendships that suit you.