It Won’t Be Forever
John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

At the edge of the forest lives a loving family of eight little fox cubs and their parents, Kit (the mother) and Rey (the father).Vixie, one of the cubs is exceptionally close to her dad; he cheers her up when she’s worried, lonely or sad.

One day Rey tells Vixie that he has to spend a short time away from the family; the little cub is horrified at the news of her father’s impending journey and he reassures her that their love has created a link that connects them no matter where he is and that she should look up at the sky and know that he is looking at the same sky and thinking of her. He also gives her a peacock blue feather as a reminder of his love and tells her to keep busy during his time away. a time that definitely won’t be forever.

Vixie remembers to do what her Dad has said, feels their loving connection and does her best to enjoy herself with the rest of her family. Then one day when she’s out playing she has the best possible surprise – her beloved Dad is back from his travels. Now she really does understand those words of his.

I remember as a child feeling very upset whenever my father (who worked for British Airways) had to go abroad and completely understand how Vixie felt. 
John Dougherty’s warm, lyrical text that reads aloud well together with Thomas Docherty’s highly expressive mixed media illustrations make for a book that shows young children that absence and loss are different, the former being temporary and that it’s natural to feel upset or sad when a loved one is away for a while but their shared love always reunites them.


Share and talk about at home and in the classroom. Perhaps a circle time session following a class sharing would allow young children to talk about their experiences and thus contribute to their PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development).