Tales of the Wilderwood: Gerald the Mangy Fox: JW Hawkins

Gerald the Mangy Fox is book one in the 'Tales of the Wilderwood' Series. Despite being the text version of an illustrated novel, this book was an enjoyable read in the vein of Aesop's Fables. The foxes of the Wilderwood grow up under the watch of the Great Oak in the Wilderwood. They give part of their kill to the Forest in order to ensure the Forest's protection. 

Gerald is shunned by his fellow foxes because of his ragged and mangy coat. When one of the lazier elders in his tribe professes a distaste for rabbit, Gerald uses his cunning to take his revenge and teach the Wilderwood foxes a lesson in responsibility.
 
Gerald the Mangy Fox is a very good read and I did enjoy the short story. I did feel, however, that the story structure was more aimed at a younger audience whilst the writing and dialogue was aimed at an older audience. This slight disparity means that whilst the book is good, there is a feeling that it doesn't know what it wants to be. I did enjoy the story, but I feel it would work better if it was aimed either at a younger audience, which would fit the length of the text or expanded and aimed at older readers.


Worth a read, even though I wish the illustrations had been available


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