Little Fox by Edward van de Vendel & Marije Tolman

Every parent knows that tension — wanting your kid to explore the world freely while quietly wishing you could wrap them in bubble wrap. Little Fox gets it.

His father warns him of dangers at every turn, but Little Fox still chases butterflies, scavenges for food, and goes looking for friends. Then one day, a tumble and a bump on the head sends him into a vivid dream — part beauty, part fear — that mirrors everything he's seen and heard.

Marije Tolman's illustrations are something special: a grainy, mixed-media world of teal and green, with a cheerful orange fox at the center who feels lifted straight from a film. When Little Fox wakes up, he's maybe a little wiser — but just as curious, and just as full of life.

Written by Edward van de Vendel. A picture book for kids and the parents who are learning to let go.