The Circles in the Sky

Fox snuggles in for the night under the illumination of the Moon. A clamorous chorus of birds call him out of his den. He follows their discord and discovers something tiny in an open field: a little bird whose listless body seems long-forgotten. He pokes and prods it, hoping to revitalize it, to awaken it from its slumber. Moth watches Fox inquisitively from a nearby limb. “Bird doesn’t need fixing, Fox.” He simply “isn’t here anymore,” she says. Fox is perplexed and responds in anger. When he begins to understand the meaning of her gentle and wise words, his frustration turns into grief and then into acceptance.

The Circles in the Sky is a wonderful story that explores the emotions of the human heart through a thoughtful tale of friendship, reason, and healing. It eloquently addresses the universal experience of loss in a way young children will be able to relate and through which they will be deeply moved. Symbolism is delicately woven throughout and adds immeasurably to the content. Those aged six and up will be able to understand it, though younger ones may need a helpful hand. All will be enticed by the gorgeous, expressive illustrations that present in an array of soft pastel blends.