School Library Journal Best Books of 2024 The mischievous and fun-loving Fox is back in another humorous and surprising I Can Read, from Caldecott Honor– and three-time Geisel Award–winning author-illustrator Corey Tabor. Fox is ready to play ball! So are Elephant, Rabbit, Bear…and Snail. But who will win the game? Funny Kids Book: Watch Fox, Elephant, Rabbit, and Bear all try to catch the ball—and miss! This silly, repetitive story is perfect for read-aloud giggles. - An Unlikely Underdog: While the big animals chase and dive, a tiny snail joins the game. Get ready for a surprise ending that proves size doesn’t matter. - Perfect for Beginning Readers: With simple sentences, word repetition, and clear illustrations, this Level 1 "I Can Read" book helps build confidence for children just starting to read on their own. - A Sweet Story of Sportsmanship: More than just a game, it’s a charming tale about playing together and being a good friend, win or lose. “New readers win when they play football with Fox and company. . . . Tabor’s perennially clever, stylish art offers unexpected perspectives and angles, and the action scenes will keep readers in suspense. In the more sedate scenes, the understated illustrations will allow youngsters to concentrate on the few and well-chosen words and to appreciate Tabor’s subtle scene-setting, buildup, and humor. Another victory from a master of the early reader.” - Kirkus Reviews Corey R. Tabor  is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning  Mel Fell,  three-time Geisel Award winner for  Fox Has a Problem ,  Fox at Night , and  Fox the Tiger,  and Geisel Honor recipient for  Fox versus Fox.  His other acclaimed titles include the young graphic novel chapter books  Sir Ladybug ,  Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee , and  Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms ; the picture books Bear for a Day ,  Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World),   Ursula Upside Down ,  Simon and the Better Bone ,  Snail Crossing ,  Fox and the Bike Ride , and  Fox and the Jumping Contest ; and the I Can Reads  Fox versus Winter ,  Fox Is Late , and  Fox Plays Ball.  Corey R. Tabor lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife and son and spends his time making pictures and stories.