I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.



I would highly recommend this book not only to elementary aged children, but also to older, middle grade students, especially low readers, as well. The non-fiction account of a Russian scientist’s dedication to the study of communication of domesticated canines is clearly written, interspersed with terrific photographs of both wild and domestic animals.

The amount of writing per page is ju

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.



I would highly recommend this book not only to elementary aged children, but also to older, middle grade students, especially low readers, as well. The non-fiction account of a Russian scientist’s dedication to the study of communication of domesticated canines is clearly written, interspersed with terrific photographs of both wild and domestic animals.

The amount of writing per page is just enough to communicate the story without having the young or literary-challenged reader feel bogged down, as with many text books. The writing itself is given in digestible bites and is flows over each page with movement and color to add interest.

The author begins by discussing the definition of domestication and comparing foxes, wolves and dogs, giving differences and similarities. The problem of communication between humans and canines is introduced and then Belyaev’s experiments are discussed.

As a science teacher who is introducing the scientific method to sixth graders, I enjoyed reading the methods used in Belyaev’s and Gogoleva’s experiments. This would be an excellent supplement to a science lesson in which controls, variables and settings would be discussed. The content of the book would be much more interesting to a group of young scientists than reading about plants grown in different soils or lighting. There is just enough science jargon to balance the more interesting behavioral outcomes with domestic vs wild foxes or other canines.

Other fox studies are also included in this book, American and Hungarian. Results seemed to match up with Balyaev’s experiments, which reinforces the concept of replication in the scientific method.

The author includes personal bits about some of the foxes to make them even more endearing to children (and science teachers) by including short video clips showing the foxes interacting with humans. She lays out an experiment that children can do with their dogs using food bowls. This, to me, brings all of this back home for kids to relate what they have learned about foxes to their own domestic canines. I believe children will look at their dogs with different eyes after reading this book.

And, if this book has left you interested in adopting a domestic fox of your own, the author can assist you in that as well. Online information sites are provided to pursue this further.

As much as I love to read, I rarely have the time during a school year to write a review of a book. Fox Talk was definitely an exception to this. Maybe it was my strong feelings for the plight of endangered wolves that drew me to the book’s cover. Once, I ventured inside, however, I was hooked. The photographs are passionate as well as beautiful and the author’s knowledge of the subject is obvious. I would highly recommend this book to any elementary or middle school librarian or student. Five stars.

