Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox

Children’s love for animals and disguise come together in this award-winning introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals.

In this introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, young children explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver or moose. Delightful illustrations show the children wearing masks representing their chosen animal, while the few lines of text on each page work as a series of simple poems throughout the book.

In a brief author’s note, Danielle Daniel explains the importance of totem animals in Anishinaabe culture and how they can also act as animal guides for young children seeking to understand themselves and others.

Key Text Features
author’s note

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.4
Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7
Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).

Danielle Daniel is an award-winning author and illustrator of books for children and adults. She holds an MFA from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family.

Danielle Daniel is an award-winning author and illustrator of books for children and adults. She holds an MFA from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family.

• New York Public Library Best 100 Books for Reading and SharingCommended 2015
• CCBC Best Books for Children and TeensCommended 2016
• 49th Shelf Favourite Picture Books of the YearCommended 2015
• Marilyn Baillie Picture Book AwardWinner 2016
• CCBC Best Books for Kids and TeensCommended 2016
• Blue Spruce AwardShort-listed 2017

“This book will fascinate children expanding their horizons and learning about other cultures (or, in the case of Anishinaabe kids, their own).” — Kirkus Reviews

“Reminds readers of the importance of critical self-reflection and of our connection to the animal world — two ideas worth championing at any age.” — Quill & Quire

“The stylized masks, soft colours and big eyes of the children convey a seriousness, almost an otherworldliness, to the animal/human relationship. . . . Haunting and thought-provoking.” — Toronto Star

“A captivating book with an important message.” — ETFO Voice