Pretty books are pretty.

I'm not even sure I can properly review this book without pictures. It's a small story, often told through the combination of illustrations and text, about a lonely fox whose only friend is the roving light of star.

Really, though, it's a metaphor. Not to spoil too much, but the ending has the small fox looking up at the night sky and realizing his world isn't such a dark and lonely place after all. Rather, it's full of constellations and wonder and hope.

And that's a lovely story.

But the illustrations! Restricted to only a few colors, the palette helps you empathize with the fox. Dark colors interrupted by the bright star. The fox highlighted in his loneliness. It really hits you how well all the elements work together to tell this story.

Not to mention, the whole thing is written and illustrated by notable designer Coralie Bickford-Smith (of Penguin Clothbound Classic fame). Undoubtedly one of my favorite book designers.

But I think what I like best about this book is how easily it can transcend age. It feels both like an adult and children's book. I feel as though I could easily gift a copy to my friends...and they could share it with their daughter. All ages can appreciate this book's story and it's design.

And I think that's rare in the world of books. And it makes this gorgeous edition even more special.