About Fredrick the Fox
About the Fredrick the Fox Book series
Fredrick the Fox is a series of children’s books about being different, accepting differences, and making friends. The series immerses the reader into the perspective of Fredrick, a fox who often feels lonely and invisible, due to society’s unfair deeming of a fox as untrustworthy.
Because of these stereotypes, many choose not to get to know Fredrick — though he is a very sweet, caring and kind fox. Those who give Fredrick a chance will often find the greatest friendship of their life.
Readers of Fredrick the Fox will gain the opportunity to understand how lonely it must be for a fox — or for an ‘other’ in society — and how great a friendship they may miss out on by sticking to their initial assumptions.
Fredrick’s journey allows those who also feel invisible to shine as the main character, while the series encourages those who may misunderstand someone like Fredrick to take a chance on a new friendship.
The first book in the series, Fredrick the Friendly Fox, was published in 2022. The Fredrick the Fox series will continue with more books in the near future. Check back often, or sign up to Fredrick’s email list for updates.
About The Author: Elissa de Waard
Fredrick the Fox is a children’s book series written by Elissa de Waard.
Elissa de Waard was born in Melbourne and has lived all across Australia, but calls the beautiful Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales home, where she lives with her husband and two beautiful children. Elissa has worked in community services for over 20 years, and now works in her own social work private practice, working with women with intellectual disability promoting human rights and social justice. There have been many times when Elissa has witnessed incredible acts of kindness in her various roles from people who feel invisible in society, reminding her that all things extraordinary live in the ordinary.
When not working, Elissa loves to spend time with her family and friends, discover places she has not visited before, and watch classic movies with her children whilst sipping a chai.
About The Illustrator: Elise Parker
Elise Parker grew up in New Zealand before moving to Australia in her late teens. She went on to study digital design, specialising in Illustration, and later obtained a graduate diploma in primary teaching. She now resides in Perth with her husband and young daughter, where they enjoy being creative and exploring their local parks and beaches.
Elise now dedicates her time to being a mum and a freelance illustrator. Her main focus is to illustrate bold, whimsical illustrations full of colour, pattern, and texture for children’s picture books. Find Elise through her portfolio website or Instagram.
Fredrick the fox series as seen in
"You never know just how kind and friendly a person is if you never give them a chance or get to know them. With Frederick’s help, children all over Australia can learn to accept their peers for how they are and maybe even find a new friend for life."
"I loved how these two discovered they were more alike than different and they become best friends. Congratulations Elissa on your fabulous hard cover picture book. I hope it finds its ways into homes, ECECs and allied health centres. "
LIBRARY // In library class our Prep/1 students read a charming story called “Fredrick the Friendly Fox and the Giant Worry,” written by Elissa de Waard and Illustrated by Elise Parker. Fredrick the Friendly Fox and the Giant Worry is a touching and relatable tale that resonates with children, offering a reassuring message about the strength found in sharing our concerns with someone we trust. For our activity we made Fredrick Fox puppets.
Today, we are going to meet a friendly fox called Fredrick who just wants to make a friend. But it's not easy when everyone is afraid of him simply because he’s a fox. Discover how Fredrick teaches us about the power of kindness, inclusivity, and looking beyond appearances in this beautiful story. Fredrick the Friendly Fox is beautifully written by Elissa de Waard and illustrated by Elise Parker.
WATCH BOOK READING
"We’re revisiting the magical world ofFredrick the Friendly Foxwith the second book in the series—Fredrick the Friendly Fox and the Giant Worry, written by Elissa de Waard and illustrated by Elise Parker. This special story shows us how Fredrick learns to face his big worries by sharing his feelings with friends"
