About the Author

PETER SPIER was one of America's most popular and renowned children's illustrators. His books, acclaimed by critics and readers alike, won numerous awards and honors: Noah's Ark won the Caldecott Medal and The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night is a Caldecott Honor Book. His book People was awarded the Christopher medal, was nominated for an American Book Award, and received the National Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for "outstanding contributions to better human relations and the cause of brotherhood."

Spier was born and educated in Amsterdam. Before coming to the United States he served in the Royal Dutch Navy. He illustrated more than 100 books and was also an avid and celebrated builder of model ships. Peter Spier died in 2017 at the age of 89.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 3-This Caldecott Honor book (Doubleday, 1961) illustrated by Peter Spier tells the story of the old folk song, "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night," about a fox who leaves his family to go to town in search of some dinner. He is successful at the farmer's house where he catches a grey goose and a duck. The fox is too fast for the farmer and his wife and manages to get his catch home where his family enjoys a delicious dinner. Read by incomparable children's entertainer Tom Chapin, the story is told at a nice lyrical pace. Subtle sound effects enhance the narration and bring to life Spier's beautiful illustrations that alternate between full color and black and white. As the book ends with the music and lyrics to the song, the reading of the story is followed by Chapin performing the song in all of its folksy glory. A fine addition to all collections for young children.-Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

A Caldecott Honor Book

An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."-The New York Times