Mamafox Books

Children's Author Phoebe Fox

Mama Fox Books

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Coming Soon–Otter Spotter by Phoebe Fox and Jim Fox!!!

 

Enjoy this book trailer for the upcoming book by Phoebe Fox, with illustrations by Jim Fox. “Step into the Verde Valley and become an otter spotter! Believe it or not, otters can be found along the Verde River, one of Arizona’s longest and most abundant river systems. If you look closely, you may spot an otter munching on crayfish, sliding down shore, or splashing in the water. Playful rhyme and luscious watercolors encourage young readers to observe nature and learn about these unique and important animals.” Fall 2025!

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Little Bear’s Re-Do: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

“Little Bear’s day isn’t going quite as he hoped and he has big mad feelings about it. Join Little Bear and his family as they learn to work together and try again when big emotion takes control.” This story was written by Michelle Cox and illustrated by Lucy Belle. Join Phoebe Fox as she reads aloud Little Bear’s Re-Do – “a story about big emotion and the power of trying again.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Michelle Cox.

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Counting Arizona’s Treasures: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox in Lake Havasu City for Counting Arizona’s Treasures. This book was written by Terri Fields with photography by Tony Marinella. Lizards from 10 to 1 visit some of Arizona’s most scenic and well-known sights, including Arizona’s London Bridge, located in Lake Havasu!
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Terri Fields.

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Zachary Z. Packrat and His Amazing Collections: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

 

Join Phoebe Fox for a virtual storytime in Camp Verde, AZ. Zachary Z. Packrat and His Amazing Collections was written and illustrated by Brooke Bessessen and published by Arizona Highways. “Meet Zachary, a playful packrat who never seems to have enough stuff. He loves art and heirlooms, swap meets and museums. Join the fun as he carefully cares for his favorite collections and seeks out new goodies to stash in his cache. And discover how packrats help us learn about the past.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author-illustrator, Brooke Bessesen.

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in Arizona: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for a fun twist on a classic tale. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in Arizona was illustrated by Jo Parry and published by Hometown World Books. “Far, far away at the North Pole, Santa is busy planning his Christmas Eve journey across his favorite place…Arizona! Are you ready for him to visit your home?”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the publisher, Hometown World, an imprint of Sourcebooks Kids.

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Spheres All Year: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

“Spheres All Year,” written by Elizabeth Everett and illustrated by Anuki López is a fun way to end the year! “Winter, spring, summer, and fall…discover the spheres that surround us all! From a little ball of cookie dough to the huge Earth we live on, Sphere’s All Year celebrates the special, silly, spherical objects we see in nature and in our everyday lives. Introduce kids to the concept of three-dimensional shapes by whisking them away on a tour of the seasons. No matter the time of year, kids will soon discover that spheres are everywhere!”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the publisher, Science Naturally.

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Finding Grateful: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Finding Grateful was written by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray, and published by Chronicle Books. “What does grateful look like? How does it feel? How do you find it? Even in the face of challenges, you don’t need a map. You just need to pay attention to the little things – a smile, a hug, the smell of newly-cut grass – that add up to a sense of presence, connection, and hope.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Dianne White.

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The Bat Book: Afraid of a bat? What’s up with that?!: Children’s Book Read-Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for The Bat Book, written by Conrad Storad and illustrated by Nate and Tristan Jensen. Want to know the TRUTH about bats? Little Boy Bat (L.B.) lives in Austin, Texas with his family under Congress Avenue Bridge. One day, he overhears some human kids: “Bats are ugly. Bats are weird. Bats are SCARY!” L.B. gets inspired to teach humans the facts about bats. The Bat Book is full of fun facts and has a page with all the steps to learn “How to Draw a Bat.’” This is Storytime Saturday episode #148.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Conrad Storad.

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Sweet Potato and Mud Pies: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for Sweet Potato and Mud Pies, written by Diona Reese Williams and illustrated by AlmaLuz Sanchez. This is the story of Destiny, ‘Dee,’ a curious and creative four-year-old girl who enjoys cooking and being in nature. When it’s time to harvest the sweet potatoes from her Grandma’s backyard garden in Arizona, Dee knows Grandma will use them to make a delicious sweet potato pie. But what Grandma doesn’t know is that Dee has her own plans for pie, too!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Diona Reese Williams.

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My Best Friend Granny: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

My Best Friend Granny was written and illustrated by Ricardo Yancey Jr. “The love between a Grandma and her grandson is something special. In this story we see all the adventures and activities between a sweet boy and his granny. The bond they form and the connection they have is one that will live on forever.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author-illustrator, Ricardo Yancey Jr.

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A Time to Wean: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for A Time to Wean, written by Marlene Susan and illustrated by Hayley Lowe. “A Time to Wean is a picture book for babies and toddlers who are weaning from nursing. Follow favorite animals as they too, grow, discover new things, and nurse less, all with the comfort and reassurance that love and hugs from mama never change.” This gentle book has soft, endearing illustrations that will stand the test of time and bring joy to readers and listeners, even after weaning has taken place.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Marlene Susan.

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Starry’s New Friend: Read by the Author, Phoebe Fox

Join Phoebe Fox as she reads her book Starry’s New Friend with the help of her puppets, Starry and Luna! “Starry the Sheep is perfectly content in her pen next to the apple tree. Then Luna arrives. Luna is new. Luna is boisterous. The school children are delighted. Starry is not.” Written by Phoebe Fox and illustrated in gorgeous watercolors by Nikki Brzescinski, the third book in the Starry the Sheep series reminds us that when it comes to friendship, someone new might not fit the exact mold we have in mind, but that someone may be exactly what we need.

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Shoe Print Art: Step into Drawing – Interview and Drawing Demo with Author Karen Robbins

Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox as she interviews a very special guest…Karen Robbins! Karen Robbins is the author of the books Care for Our World, Shoe Print Art: Step into Drawing, and new release, I Love You More than Candy Pops! Karen has been an elementary school teacher, “Miss Karen” on television’s Romper Room Show, and a university instructor. She holds a master of education degree from the University of Puget Sound. In this video, Karen will teach you how to create various creatures using a method she has been teaching for 30 years – drawing from a shoe print shape! “Give free reign to your inner creativity as you learn simple techniques for using a shoe print shape as the base for everything from a balloon to a bat. With 55 step-by-step projects arranged by difficulty, you’ll be able to take each venture in stride before you let loose on an uncharted path. Turn your creations into greeting cards, note cards, or even foam refrigerator magnets. From ladybugs and bumblebees to gum ball machines and helicopters, this book is sure to unleash your inner artist.”

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Bea and Honey, The Secret: Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Join Phoebe Fox for an endearing story about the loss of a pet and the adoption of a new one. Bea and Honey, The Secret was written by Claudia Teetsel and illustrated by Judith Grosse. The adorable cover painting is by Jason Teetsel. “A family loves a black and white dog named Bea for many years, but when Bea dies their hearts are broken. Then, the family adopts a new dog named Honey. Honey has a secret…”

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Claudia Teetsel.

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Look Who Lives in the Desert! Storytime Saturday with Phoebe Fox

Join Phoebe Fox as she reads to you from the Sonoran Desert! A fun and interesting rhyming book, Look Who Lives in the Desert! was written and illustrated by Brooke Bessesen and published by Arizona Highways Books. From rattlesnakes and scorpions to kangaroo rats and cougars, the wide variety of desert animals will surprise and delight you with an amazing array of features. And if you check out a copy from the library, you can learn even more fascinating facts from the sidebars on each page!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author-illustrator, Brooke Bessesen.

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Life in the Slow Lane, A Desert Tortoise Tale: Read-Aloud with Phoebe Fox

In this episode of Storytime Saturdays, Phoebe Fox reads to you from the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona! This darling rhyming book about desert tortoises was written by Conrad Storad and illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen. “It’s life in the slow lane, the slow for me! The tortoise’s way is the best way to be!” Shelly the Tortoise loves spending time with her Grandpa, and he loves to reminisce about life in the desert during the good old days. Life in the slow lane sure seems idyllic, but what can be done about the homes and freeways moving in and taking up all that desert space? Shelly and Grandpa have a lot to teach us. You will learn all about tortoises in this charming tale, and when you get your own copy of this book, you can explore the fascinating facts at the end! 

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Conrad Storad.

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Rhonda’s Amazing Feet: Read-Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Meet Rhonda, an insecure but sweet rhino, who wishes her feet were dainty and graceful, not big and flat. But when danger comes to the rainforest and Rhonda’s friends are in danger, she discovers that her feet are the best tools to help her save the day! Rhonda’s Amazing Feet was written and illustrated by Rita Goldner.

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On the Verde River: Read by the Author, Phoebe Fox

The Verde River is Arizona’s longest free-flowing river and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. “On the Verde River” was illustrated by Jim Fox and published by The Friends of the Verde River. “Spend the day along the Verde River, where rabbits hop, owls swoop, and stars shimmer in the night sky. Lyrical text and soft watercolors highlight the vast array of animals and plants that can be found in the Verde Valley, home to one of the most crucial free-flowing river systems in Arizona.”

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Julian Blooms: Read-Aloud Read with the Author, Phoebe Fox

Join children’s author and librarian Phoebe Fox (and a real-life peacock) as she reads her book Julian Blooms at Whitfill Nursery in Phoenix, Arizona. “Last to hatch, little Julian is behind in everything. His mother assures him that he is wonderful just the way he is, but he longs to catch up to his peacock brothers. In this uplifting story about a late bloomer, Julian learns that he, too, has what it takes to bloom!”

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Found: One Dinosaur: Read-Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Found: One Dinosaur was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. “A girl finds a dinosaur on her way home from school and realizes that she can not keep it and must find a home for it. She struggles with finding the perfect home for a T-Rex. A rhyming, humorous tale about a pet that you know you should not keep.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author and illustrator, Michael Hale.

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Book Trailer for On the Verde River by Phoebe Fox & Jim Fox

Spend the day along the Verde River, where rabbits hop, owls swoop, and the stars shimmer in the night sky. Lyrical text and stunning watercolors highlight the vast array of animals and plants that can be found in the Verde Valley, home to one of Arizona’s last free-flowing river systems. Written by Phoebe Fox and illustrated by Jim Fox, this book was published by the Friends of the Verde River and received the honor of being selected for the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places list with the Library of Congress!

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The Boy Who Burped by Beth Lewis: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“The Boy Who Burped” was written by Beth Lewis and illustrated by Daniel Wtodarski. “Brother learns that his love of chocolate and lack of movement has caused his constant belching. Brother’s burping plague is matched only by Sister’s continued hiccups, Momma’s sneezes, and Daddy’s toots. Will this family be able to make the needed changes to feel better?”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Beth Lewis.

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Gnome for Christmas by Karlie Burnham: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Join Phoebe Fox for “Gnome for Christmas,” written by Karlie Burnham and illustrated by Shelley Linford. “Omer the gnome and his friends at Jingle’s Toy Store love it when children come to visit, especially at Christmastime. But why is there a different feeling this time of year? What really is this holiday we celebrate? Could it be more than getting a bunch of toys? Join Omer as he goes on a journey to find out for himself and meets a family who can answer his questions.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Karlie Burnham.