Jane, the Fox and Me

Story

Hélène wants to be invisible, but at school there’s nowhere to hide from the tormentors who used to be her friends. Her only escape is losing herself between the pages of her favourite book. When a four-day class camping trip is announced, Hélène is filled with dread, but a chance encounter with a fox in the forest, and the appearance of new girl Geraldine, sparks hope for change.

Why we chose it

A beautifully illustrated graphic novel with striking use of monochrome and deep colour to mirror Helene’s emotions. The story explores isolation, loneliness, the pain of being bullied but also the strength and the solace that can be found in a much loved book.

Where it came from

Both writer and illustrator are from Quebec in Canada - the book is set in Montreal and was originally written in French.

Where it went next

The book has won several awards, including a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award and Canada’s Governor General’s Literary Award.

Associated stories

Hélène seeks solace in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847) - which writer Fanny Britt says is her most-read book. Britt and Arsenault’s next collaboration, Louis Undercover (2019), is another beautifully-illustrated graphic novel.