The Fox by Sabine Baring-Gould
A cunning fox ventures out on a winter night, seeking the moon's light to guide him as he travels a long distance back to his den. He arrives at a farmer's yard, where he finds ducks and geese, and decides to capture some for his meal. The fox seizes a grey goose and a duck, ignoring their frantic protests as he carries them away. The commotion awakens Mother Slipper Slopper, who alerts her husband, John, to the theft. Alarmed, John rushes to the top of a hill and blows his horn to signal the danger. The fox, unfazed by the noise, continues his journey home, confident in his success. Upon reaching his den, the fox is greeted by his young ones, who encourage him to return to the farmer's yard, believing it to be a fortunate place. The fox and his wife prepare the goose, declaring it the best meal they have ever had, while the young ones eagerly pick at the bones, satisfied with their feast. The narrative highlights themes of cleverness, survival, and the dynamics of family life in the animal kingdom.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Children's Literature, Folk Tale, Poetry · 554 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. The fox went out one winter night, And prayed the moon to give him light, For he'd many a mile to go that night, Before he reached his den, O! Den, O! Den, O! For he'd many a mile to go that night, For he'd many a mile to go that night, Before he reached his den, O!
What this Textopian page supports
The Fox is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Folk Tale, Poetry, Animal Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 554 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Fox by Sabine Baring-Gould
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Old Wichet by Sabine Baring Gould
- Green Broom by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Merry Men And Other Tales And Fables by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Silly Old Man by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Grocery Man And The Bear by Ring Lardner
- Ginger And Pickles by Beatrix Potter
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book features a simple narrative and playful language suitable for children.
- Folk Tale — The story embodies traditional storytelling elements and moral lessons common in folk tales.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Animal Fiction — The main character is a fox, and the story revolves around animal behavior and anthropomorphism.
Tags
folklore · animal · narrative · winter · fox · adventure · humor · rhyme · children's literature · traditional · song · nature