  | Mungo on his own Author: Burgess, Matthew | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
One cold November evening, young Mungo ventures into the forest to find the sweet, red berries he's been dreaming about. But he soon finds that foraging alone can be hard for a kit like him, and Mungo gets lost. Very lost! Will he find the berries and his way back home all on his own?
| Illustrator: | Benbassat, Julie |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/25)
Booklist (+) (01/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/11/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 10/06/2025 Burgess (Fireworks) and Benbassat (Tove Under the Tree) spotlight the mix of experiences and feelings that accompany early forays into independence throughout this empathic story about a fox kit’s inaugural solo outing. On a late-autumn night, bushy-tailed fox Mungo gets a hunger for red berries, and, "though the forest was dark/ and the berry bush far away," his mother agrees he can forage alone. At first, the outing brings various frights, but Mungo strengthens his resolve by recalling lessons ("how to cross the creek,/ how to blend in with the underbrush") imparted by his mother over the summer. Soon, the creature’s mouth is stained red with berry juice, and he’s frolicking in the season’s first snow before a return home yields maternal pride and cuddles. Alternating immersive full-bleed spreads with vignettes framed by berry-laden branches, soft, digitally colored pencil-and-charcoal renderings build out the work’s changing mood. Occasional onomatopoeia additionally enhances the story’s emotional aspects (swooping owls’ "Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" prove frightening; a snowy "swoosh" accompanies a frolic through pillowy hillsides of downy snow) throughout this warmly triumphant journey. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 01/01/2026 *Starred Review* Craving red berries, a brave young fox sets out on his first solo adventure: “Could I? he wondered. Can I? Though the forest was dark and the berry bush far away, Mungo’s mother nodded.” Off he goes! The path to the berry bush feels perilous, with its chilly stream crossing and potential predators, but Mungo puts to use navigation and foraging skills he’s honed all summer at his mother’s watchful side. Rightfully pleased with himself at his mission’s success, “Mungo jumped when he saw those berries, as bright and plump as he remembered.” A delighted (now full-bellied) Mungo frolicks home to their den, returning through “soft stars” of fresh snowfall to his proud mom. Atmospheric, softly textured illustrations warmly convey the wide-eyed kit’s range of emotions and playfully incorporate elements of Mungo’s perceptions into the forest landscape. Onomatopoeia also runs through many of the illustrations, amplifying Mungo’s feelings and begging to be read aloud. Kids beginning to explore their own physical boundaries and early independence will appreciate Mungo’s courageous mission, while its gentle language makes this a comforting lap time or cozy winter storytime read. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
