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What Does the Fox Say?
Do you know what the fox says? Based on the hugely popular YouTube video with more than 200 million views, this picture book is packed full of foxy fun.
Dog goes woof. Cat goes meow. Bird goes tweet and mouse goes squeak.
But what does the fox say?
The lyrics of Ylvis's YouTube sensation 'The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)' meet Svein Nyhus's playful illustrations in this irresistibly entertaining read-aloud picture book.
Dog goes woof. Cat goes meow. Bird goes tweet and mouse goes squeak.
But what does the fox say?
The lyrics of Ylvis's YouTube sensation 'The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)' meet Svein Nyhus's playful illustrations in this irresistibly entertaining read-aloud picture book.
26 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
Want to read
November 14, 2013
What does the fox say?
Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
A-oo-oo-oo-ooo!
A-oo-oo-oo-ooo!
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?!
I have no idea what the fox is saying. :)
December 11, 2013
Well, I've never before bought a book emblazoned with the words Based on the YouTube sensation, so there's that...
The illustrations are pretty nifty, and I love the limited color palette, but the whole project seems to have a cheapo-thrown-together look to it; as we all know, Simon's Shoestore was in a hurry to get this out in time for the Xma$ season.
Eh...it's not my thing, BUT...
The kid I bought it for will love it, and that's all that matters.
The illustrations are pretty nifty, and I love the limited color palette, but the whole project seems to have a cheapo-thrown-together look to it; as we all know, Simon's Shoestore was in a hurry to get this out in time for the Xma$ season.
Eh...it's not my thing, BUT...
The kid I bought it for will love it, and that's all that matters.
Want to read
November 13, 2013
November 29, 2013
Unless you're living under a rock (lucky you in this case) you've already heard Ylvis viral music video The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?), which spanned a thousand memes - a few of them quite funny:
Much like Andrew Kolb, who illustrated the lyrics to David Bowie's Space Oddity (a work of genius, I need to review that one!), Svein Nyhus illustrated Ylvis' What Does the Fox Say? which, I must admit, makes for a very good read for children.
I absolutely LOVE Nyhus' illustrations - I'm not a fan of the song, but the illustrations are so good I don't even mind the words. Look at Nyhus' fox, for instance:
It really is a delightful children's book.
Of course, as in the song, it fails to answer the question: What does the fox say?
In case you're curious, the fox sounds like a mix of dog/cat.
Much like Andrew Kolb, who illustrated the lyrics to David Bowie's Space Oddity (a work of genius, I need to review that one!), Svein Nyhus illustrated Ylvis' What Does the Fox Say? which, I must admit, makes for a very good read for children.
I absolutely LOVE Nyhus' illustrations - I'm not a fan of the song, but the illustrations are so good I don't even mind the words. Look at Nyhus' fox, for instance:
It really is a delightful children's book.
Of course, as in the song, it fails to answer the question: What does the fox say?
In case you're curious, the fox sounds like a mix of dog/cat.
November 22, 2013
Do I or don't I? On one hand, my daughter LOVES the video, but on the other...once I hear her sing it, it's stuck in my head for daaaaaays.
__________________________________________
By now, surely you've all seen the YouTube video that inspired this book. I was only directed toward it in the last month or so, but once I showed it to my daughter, it was played on a daily basis in my house. And the song is now stuck in my head forever as a result.
As with most YouTube sensations, it started out innocently enough. Says Bård Ylvisåker of THE FOX: "This song is made for a TV show and is supposed to entertain a few Norwegians for three minutes — and that's all. It was done just a few days ago and we recently had a screening in our office. About 10 people watched — nobody laughed." (From the duo's website.) So, it wasn't intentionally a children's song, but I know plenty of kids who love it, my own included.
Which is how this gorgeously illustrated book came about, I'm sure. The text of the book is the song from the video verbatim, but the illustrations are what make this book worth it. They're the kind that I'd frame and hang on my daughter's wall: colorful, expressive, and whimsical. They pair perfectly with the hilarity of the song/video.
I read this to my daughter last night, and she loved it, just as I expected she would. Actually, first, we played the video as we read along to the song, singing along with it. Then we went back to the beginning and read the words while we perused the illustrations. The review copy wasn't formatted perfectly, but it actually made it easier to hold the book so that she could see as I was reading it to her. In the hardcover format, I'm sure there will be no such issues. I can't wait for Katie to have a finished copy and experience the beautiful illustrations up close and in person.
I already have plans to purchase the hardcover for Katie for Christmas, as well as for all the nieces and nephews. I actually kind of want my own untarnished copy, too. It's the perfect addition to your child's book collection, or your own, if, like me, you have an affinity for collecting pretty books or books with pretty things between the covers.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster BFYR & Edelweiss for providing a review copy!
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
__________________________________________
By now, surely you've all seen the YouTube video that inspired this book. I was only directed toward it in the last month or so, but once I showed it to my daughter, it was played on a daily basis in my house. And the song is now stuck in my head forever as a result.
As with most YouTube sensations, it started out innocently enough. Says Bård Ylvisåker of THE FOX: "This song is made for a TV show and is supposed to entertain a few Norwegians for three minutes — and that's all. It was done just a few days ago and we recently had a screening in our office. About 10 people watched — nobody laughed." (From the duo's website.) So, it wasn't intentionally a children's song, but I know plenty of kids who love it, my own included.
Which is how this gorgeously illustrated book came about, I'm sure. The text of the book is the song from the video verbatim, but the illustrations are what make this book worth it. They're the kind that I'd frame and hang on my daughter's wall: colorful, expressive, and whimsical. They pair perfectly with the hilarity of the song/video.
I read this to my daughter last night, and she loved it, just as I expected she would. Actually, first, we played the video as we read along to the song, singing along with it. Then we went back to the beginning and read the words while we perused the illustrations. The review copy wasn't formatted perfectly, but it actually made it easier to hold the book so that she could see as I was reading it to her. In the hardcover format, I'm sure there will be no such issues. I can't wait for Katie to have a finished copy and experience the beautiful illustrations up close and in person.
I already have plans to purchase the hardcover for Katie for Christmas, as well as for all the nieces and nephews. I actually kind of want my own untarnished copy, too. It's the perfect addition to your child's book collection, or your own, if, like me, you have an affinity for collecting pretty books or books with pretty things between the covers.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster BFYR & Edelweiss for providing a review copy!
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
November 12, 2013
Yes!!! there's actually a book! Now you can know all the words...LOL.
Actually, its a cute book for the little ones.
Actually, its a cute book for the little ones.
March 31, 2022
Ak, atmiņas!
Read
January 7, 2019I don't think I can adequately review this book because it's appeal is based more on the fact that it is literally an illustrated children's book with the lyrics for the song "What does the Fox Say?" HOWEVER when I saw I could pick it up for $1.49 second hand, was I all over that. HELLS YES. I mean the illustrations are good and it's probably fun to read to kids because it's ridiculous.
February 14, 2021
The popular song, What Does the Fox Say?, created by Norwegian comedic duo Ylvis (brothers Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker), is transformed into a picture-book in this entertaining volume. The text of the song is paired with artwork from artist Svein Nyhus, which depicts all of the eponymous fox's frenetic activity, as the narrative continually asks (and answers) the question posed in the title...
To all those who had successfully managed to excise this tune from their memories, my apologies. As the cover decal makes plain, the song was a youtube sensation for quite a time, and it remains popular today. For my own part, I have always found it amusing, and I was happy to track down this accompanying picture-book, which I read while listening to the song (naturally). The artwork from Nyhus is the real focus here, and I think it captures the humor and hijinks of the text, with weirdly elongated and stylized figures cavorting on the page in ways that feel entirely appropriate. Recommended to fans of the song, of course, and to anyone looking for quirky and unusual Norwegian children's books.
As for what the fox says, HERE is a video of one of our vulpine friends laughing for more than a minute. You are welcome.
To all those who had successfully managed to excise this tune from their memories, my apologies. As the cover decal makes plain, the song was a youtube sensation for quite a time, and it remains popular today. For my own part, I have always found it amusing, and I was happy to track down this accompanying picture-book, which I read while listening to the song (naturally). The artwork from Nyhus is the real focus here, and I think it captures the humor and hijinks of the text, with weirdly elongated and stylized figures cavorting on the page in ways that feel entirely appropriate. Recommended to fans of the song, of course, and to anyone looking for quirky and unusual Norwegian children's books.
As for what the fox says, HERE is a video of one of our vulpine friends laughing for more than a minute. You are welcome.
August 31, 2018
2* art
5* song
This was just my way of introducing Squirt to an awesome song. The book is meh, the song is fantastic. Squirt did cartwheels, and I tried to teach him to moonwalk (my only dance move). Mission accomplished.
5* song
This was just my way of introducing Squirt to an awesome song. The book is meh, the song is fantastic. Squirt did cartwheels, and I tried to teach him to moonwalk (my only dance move). Mission accomplished.
November 27, 2013
See this and all my reviews at Urban Fantasy Land
The hardcover book consists of 32 pages containing the lyrics to the song accompanied by images influenced by Norwegian folk art of the fox and other animals. There's no other text, making this a great way for kids to learn the lyrics to the song. The pictures are bright and busy giving them lots to look at.
You could spend hours looking at these pictures with all the different things to see, and I love how Norwegian folk art just got brought into the mainstream.
Personally, I would have liked more story to the drawings, something more like Dr. Seuss. The fun of the song is in the wonder and imagining what a fox says, so I had pictured drawings of children or animals sneaking around a forest, following that fox, trying to find out what it says. I guess the pictures do show this, but it's more subtle than I had imagined. I had pictured the fox hunt more like detectives on a case, and less like animals partying in the woods.
When I first showed my 8 year old son the video he thought I was weird, but then he quickly caught on to the silly fun. So I showed him the book. He loved it. He loves the silly fox and he wants to get a copy of the book for himself. He does wonder if a kindergartener would be able to understand it-- and he does have a valid point. Other than silly fun, is there any reason to learn to read "ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding"? These are not sight words, though they are repetitious. I suppose the book could also be used to teach reading with inflection and drama.
The hardcover book consists of 32 pages containing the lyrics to the song accompanied by images influenced by Norwegian folk art of the fox and other animals. There's no other text, making this a great way for kids to learn the lyrics to the song. The pictures are bright and busy giving them lots to look at.
You could spend hours looking at these pictures with all the different things to see, and I love how Norwegian folk art just got brought into the mainstream.
Personally, I would have liked more story to the drawings, something more like Dr. Seuss. The fun of the song is in the wonder and imagining what a fox says, so I had pictured drawings of children or animals sneaking around a forest, following that fox, trying to find out what it says. I guess the pictures do show this, but it's more subtle than I had imagined. I had pictured the fox hunt more like detectives on a case, and less like animals partying in the woods.
When I first showed my 8 year old son the video he thought I was weird, but then he quickly caught on to the silly fun. So I showed him the book. He loved it. He loves the silly fox and he wants to get a copy of the book for himself. He does wonder if a kindergartener would be able to understand it-- and he does have a valid point. Other than silly fun, is there any reason to learn to read "ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding"? These are not sight words, though they are repetitious. I suppose the book could also be used to teach reading with inflection and drama.
September 1, 2016
I'm norwegian - of course I had to read Ylvis' book :)
Ok, so I wouldn't really count this as a read.. Well, not like a book for my goodreads challenge anyways. There's not a lot of text, but a lot of fun art. I bought it for my niece for christmas and I think she'll love it! When we ask her "Hva sier reven?" (what does the fox say) she answers "Ringe ding ding" hahaha, she loves the song.
I'm guessing this book will be under a lot of christmastrees in Norway this year and a lot of kids will be very happy. Probably some older people too, this song is weirdly popular..
I'm just adding this because I want to support Ylvis, they're awesome norwegian comedians, and this is a cute book for kids. Hope I'll get time to read more of my own books soon!
Ok, so I wouldn't really count this as a read.. Well, not like a book for my goodreads challenge anyways. There's not a lot of text, but a lot of fun art. I bought it for my niece for christmas and I think she'll love it! When we ask her "Hva sier reven?" (what does the fox say) she answers "Ringe ding ding" hahaha, she loves the song.
I'm guessing this book will be under a lot of christmastrees in Norway this year and a lot of kids will be very happy. Probably some older people too, this song is weirdly popular..
I'm just adding this because I want to support Ylvis, they're awesome norwegian comedians, and this is a cute book for kids. Hope I'll get time to read more of my own books soon!
February 18, 2019
The illustrations in this book go really well, with the words/lyrics of the song.
I enjoyed reading this picture book.
But what does the fox say?
I enjoyed reading this picture book.
But what does the fox say?
February 19, 2014
"Even though people find it interesting, it's still a stupid fox song, and when people start to get over this, it gets even worse, because it is so stupid."
Bård Ylvisåker, http://www.spin.com/articles/ylvis-wh...
Author: Ylvis, Christian Løchstøer
Illustrator: Svein Nyhus
First Published: 2013
Okay, apparently the book concept was first - and you can see the old man reading it to the boy throughout the video.
The narrative follows the lyrics exactly; a fun read especially with the song in the background. Illustrations are.. off kilter. Recognisable characters but bizarrely drawn.
If you are a fan of the song clip then this book will suit. If not or you don't know the song the book will be both irritating and odd.
References:
w'pedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_...
youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE
Age:
Read aloud - 3+
Read yourself - 5+
And then there was the Duck song.
Edit To Add 19-Feb-2014.
Cozing around the table after lunch at Grandma's we hear Mr3's little voice singing from the next room.
Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
I listen closer.
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
I turn to Teen Daughter. "Isn't that the Fox song?" I ask.
The table bursts into laughter.
Mr3 has some hearing issues. As a result, he has some problems with spoken language.
But he was singing. To himself.
His Dad, my brother, "introduced" the family to this song. He thought it was just hee-lar-ious! Everyone needed to acknowledge it's brilliance.
So I gave him the book for his (40-ish) birthday.
And he has "read" it with Mr3 on many nights.
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Reading together, no matter the book, can pay dividends.
-CR-
Bård Ylvisåker, http://www.spin.com/articles/ylvis-wh...
Author: Ylvis, Christian Løchstøer
Illustrator: Svein Nyhus
First Published: 2013
Okay, apparently the book concept was first - and you can see the old man reading it to the boy throughout the video.
The narrative follows the lyrics exactly; a fun read especially with the song in the background. Illustrations are.. off kilter. Recognisable characters but bizarrely drawn.
If you are a fan of the song clip then this book will suit. If not or you don't know the song the book will be both irritating and odd.
References:
w'pedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_...
youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE
Age:
Read aloud - 3+
Read yourself - 5+
And then there was the Duck song.
Edit To Add 19-Feb-2014.
Cozing around the table after lunch at Grandma's we hear Mr3's little voice singing from the next room.
Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
I listen closer.
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
I turn to Teen Daughter. "Isn't that the Fox song?" I ask.
The table bursts into laughter.
Mr3 has some hearing issues. As a result, he has some problems with spoken language.
But he was singing. To himself.
His Dad, my brother, "introduced" the family to this song. He thought it was just hee-lar-ious! Everyone needed to acknowledge it's brilliance.
So I gave him the book for his (40-ish) birthday.
And he has "read" it with Mr3 on many nights.
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Reading together, no matter the book, can pay dividends.
-CR-
January 14, 2014
Who was this written for?
For the life of me, I can't quite figure out who would want to read this. I'm not saying that to be offensive, I think there is a reader for every book, but I'm not sure who this is meant to appeal to.
The song and music video are entertaining, but there really are no lyrics to speakof and that's all the text that is included here. The book can't ever get that right, some of the written text doesn't match the song and most of the "What does the Fox Say" lyrics are removed.
I'm not quite sure how to describe the artwork, it's the only unique thing the book has going for it, but it looks like it was drawn by someone on a bad acid trip. I'm sure there will be fans of it so I knocked this up from 1 star to 2 but it honestly frightens me so I'm not sure how it will go over for small children.
As for library programs, I can't see how someone could read it aloud (how many will be able to say "joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff" three times fast?) and I can't imagine a reader enjoying it if they haven't already heard the song multiple times. If the song is played while the reader flips through the book it could work, but it's not far off from holding a mistranslated lyric sheet up while playing a song.
Check out the artwork at your local bookstore or library and decide from there because you aren't missing anything from the text.
For the life of me, I can't quite figure out who would want to read this. I'm not saying that to be offensive, I think there is a reader for every book, but I'm not sure who this is meant to appeal to.
The song and music video are entertaining, but there really are no lyrics to speakof and that's all the text that is included here. The book can't ever get that right, some of the written text doesn't match the song and most of the "What does the Fox Say" lyrics are removed.
I'm not quite sure how to describe the artwork, it's the only unique thing the book has going for it, but it looks like it was drawn by someone on a bad acid trip. I'm sure there will be fans of it so I knocked this up from 1 star to 2 but it honestly frightens me so I'm not sure how it will go over for small children.
As for library programs, I can't see how someone could read it aloud (how many will be able to say "joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff" three times fast?) and I can't imagine a reader enjoying it if they haven't already heard the song multiple times. If the song is played while the reader flips through the book it could work, but it's not far off from holding a mistranslated lyric sheet up while playing a song.
Check out the artwork at your local bookstore or library and decide from there because you aren't missing anything from the text.
March 6, 2014
How do you rate a book like this?
Do I love the annoyingly catchy song? Why, yes I do!
The illustrations were brilliant, and the lyrics are obviously catchy.
Oh, what the hell. 5 stars all around!
June 24, 2014
The illustrations in this are great. I got hooked on the song and the book did not let me down.
I know ... I'm a crazy librarian ... But you've gotta have fun & so do the kids. Our year 6's appreciate the book more than the younger kids 'cause they are the ones that also really get into the song :-)
I know ... I'm a crazy librarian ... But you've gotta have fun & so do the kids. Our year 6's appreciate the book more than the younger kids 'cause they are the ones that also really get into the song :-)
September 12, 2015
The stars here are purely for the illustrations - they're a little bit kooky and a whole lot of fun. Huh...just like the lyrics to the song and the entire video.
I do think I'd be tempted to read this to the grandchildren, but only if I can dance around in a fox costume and use auto-tune.
I do think I'd be tempted to read this to the grandchildren, but only if I can dance around in a fox costume and use auto-tune.
Shelved as 'wish-list'
March 6, 2014Now if someone could just slip this inside my stocking!
November 15, 2013
A wonderfully charming follow-up to the viral video of the same name, this beautifully illustrated children's book is perfect for anyone who still can't get the song out of their heads.
July 30, 2015
It's just the lyrics to the song, and that's not much, but the art is actually super cool to look at.
May 20, 2020
A Text to Speech Treat!
Not only is the story a treat, but the concept of communication is reinforced. All those animal sounds children crave from early infancy are here in these beautifully illustrated pages.
The benefit of reading nonsense words has always been the practice gained in sounding out the letters of our alphabet in action. This delightful picture book is perfect for young children to read aloud to their parents.
Not only is the story a treat, but the concept of communication is reinforced. All those animal sounds children crave from early infancy are here in these beautifully illustrated pages.
The benefit of reading nonsense words has always been the practice gained in sounding out the letters of our alphabet in action. This delightful picture book is perfect for young children to read aloud to their parents.
February 4, 2014
I gave it an extra star due to the fact that the song and words are admittedly catchy. But they are catchy in that terrible get-out-of-my-head type of way. I don't really have anything against the viral video, as far as viral videos go. But the fact that it's a now a published children's book makes me cringe. Even this I was willing to look past; I really wanted to give it a fair chance! But what I can't get past is those illustrations. The fox is utterly terrifying, and so are the rest of the drug-induced animals. I would be afraid to actually show this to a child in fear that it might cause nightmares. The fact that it's a current best-seller makes me roll my eyes. I won't be using this book for storytime anytime soon, or ever.
April 8, 2015
I bought this to give to my friend at her upcoming baby shower. It's a picture book created around the lyrics of the song, you guessed it, What Does the Fox Say. The illustrations are great. They have a dark and twisty look to them. And it amuses me to no end picturing my friend reading this aloud to her future spawn.
August 19, 2015
If you hated the song/Youtube video, then don't read this book. My 7 year old loved the video and has read this book over and over since I brought it home from the library two days ago. My 10 year old also wanted me to read it to them before bed tonight. The fun illustrations bring the song to life.
January 11, 2015
This is not a bedtime book lol. Keith read this to Jack last night and made it sound like the video. When he got to the what the fox says stuff I couldn't help but laugh because of Keith's voice and Jack's reaction.
November 12, 2013
Based on the hilarious YouTube music video that went viral not too long ago, this children's book is full of beautifully crafted art that both adults and kids will adore.
December 12, 2013
An illustrated picture book of the infamous YouTube video. A fun read aloud that kids will surely love! An obvious participation story!
December 19, 2013
Time to kill at the bookstore...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews