Phoenix Fox lives happily in forest with his friends. One day, they decide to have a contest to see who is the most talented animal in the forest. All his friends have a plan and get right to their talent to perfect it. Phoenix has no idea what his talent is. He tried what the other animals are doing and other things, but everything ends in a disaster. His cake burns, his flying machine crashes and his plant is dangerous. Oh my, what will he do. The contest goes on and the prizes are awarded. Phoenix goes home feeling terrible as he didn't even participate. As he looks around his home at all the results of his attempts, he begins to smile. He figures out his talent after all. This was another fun story that we enjoyed. First all the animals got along and there was no teasing when Phoenix didn't participate. We enjoyed seeing all the things he tried (although we had to guess what they were from the illustrations), and talked about the idea that we all aren't good at the same things. The ending was a happy one that allowed us to see that we all have a talents even if we don't realize it ourselves. The illustrations were great. We loved seeing Phoenix is some of the situations and with some parts of the story without words, the illustrations added to the story. This is another one I recommend to families, schools, classrooms and public libraries.

Phoenix Fox has no special skills. They are having a talent contest and all friends are participating.
Windmill Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can get a copy now.

He tries the things the others were doing but failed at them all. He decides to write about it. What do you know? That is his special skill...

I absolutely adored the book. The illustrations are beautiful, the text is easy to follow by children and the message is a very powerful one. The book gives children the opportunity to think and develop their talent and creativity.
Children's inclinations towards a certain field or activity can be seen even from kindergarten. When they are left to do what they like, they are more attentive to the activities and they retain easier the knowledge that is passed on to them. Thus, a child's play can turn into a performance over time.
Taking the example of the fox, it is equally important to let the children understand when they make mistakes, because this gives them confidence in their own strength.

When ask about one's talent, sometimes it is not clear. You can see it right away, or not. As Phoenix the fox does. After trying some talents, he seems don't have one in particular. But with time, he found his and can be a special addition to his friends' ones. A heartwarming story and encouraging one for those who struggles to find their worth in the world.

This is the story of Phoenix the Fox and his search for something he can do at the talent show with his friends. He tries many things and has no talent to perform at the show. After the show is over he realizes he would like to tell his friends about all the things he tried and finds out he has a talent after all. Its a great lesson that even when you think you have no talent you can find a hidden talent when you least expect it.

Phoenix Fox and his friends have a talent show to see who is the most talented animal in the forest. Some of his friends are bakers, gardeners, or inventors. Because Phoenix isn't sure what his talent could be, he tries out his friends' talents. When all of them seem to be failures for him, he feels defeated. With the encouragement of friends, he discovers another talent he had all along.

The art in this book is so whimsical and cute. It reminded me of a "Winnie the Pooh" storyline and art style, in the best way. I appreciated the theme of this book, which I have been seeing more and more in kids' books of recognizing and encouraging the uniqueness of people (and animals).

When his friends decide to hold a talent competition, Phoenix struggles to find one thing that he's really good at. Seeing his many, many attempts and experiments are great fun for the reader. In the end, his real talent should surprise and delight you.

This was quite an enjoyable read, and the author's amusing illustrations put a smile on my face.

Thank you to the author, Windmill Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This children's book is a quick read, and the clear message sparked a good conversation with the kids I read it with: Don't compare yourself with others, everyone has their own unique talents and it's all about discovering what these are rather than trying to imitate others. The illustrations were great, but I would have liked to see more of a rounded off story - I felt the ending fizzled out a bit.

Awww I loved this one. The message about sticking with it…perseverance and making it very easy for children to understand.

The illustrations are so good too.

It’s a great children’s book.

Of the many, many picture books that tell us to embrace our failures, and not to worry about the success of others, this one seems to be there and on point, with a successful way to show those morals – but also to cop out and grind to an almost awkward stop. Phoenix the fox is faced with the forest's talent competition – and can do nothing the other animals can, or at least not with anything like their quality. Now I will support this book by not saying what he does instead, leaving it to you to find out, but it does feel a bit of a cheat, a naff way of rounding things off – and in a way that will not be universal, meaning we cannot follow the example given with any guarantee of success of our own. Which is a shame, as that seems vital to me. We're left becoming a Phoenix ourselves, watching someone else succeed and not being shown a clear way in to such happiness. This might still work for a few of the intended readers, but I can't say this was an essential purchase, given the amount of books on the same wavelength doing it all a bit better and more winningly.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This picture book is an excellent book for kids about problem solving and friendship. Cute story and illustrations.

I absolutely love this picture book. Picture storybooks usually do not have much to say but this one does!

I felt happier reading this one and I feel this would brighten up the entire classroom reading this book together with the kids. Such an important life lesson the little fox story is trying to tell us.

It’s no use trying to imitate other people’s best talents. It’s no use fretting over not having their talents. But we have to focus on what talents we have instead.

Such a good read. The illustrations are so good!!!!

Thank you, Windmill Books, for the advance reading copy.

Fox is excited at first when his friends decide to have a talent contest. But then fox soon realizes they aren’t as good at things as their friends. Eventually, Fox finds their talent. A cute story although I wish there had been more to it.

Quick Summary: A special book about finding and celebrating your gifts

My Review: The Hidden Talent of Phoenix Fox by Kristina Radkevich was a treasure chest of goodness. The underlying message of the story was about recognizing your own personal gifts, while at the same time appreciating the gifts and abilities of others. No matter what age you are when reading this special book, you will be able to take away a positive message.

My Final Say: This book was a quick read, and though cute, it conveyed a powerful message.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: 4-8

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review.