Francis the Fox is scheming again. He wants to build the tallest building in the town and nothing and nobody is going to stop him. The lot he wants to build on is too small, so only a very narrow building can be put up on it, unsuitable for such a small piece of land. The town’s mayor and the banker are very reluctant to permit him to go ahead. Fox has a bad reputation based on past disasters that he inevitably ended up with, after the initial deceitful announcement and unrealistic planning. However, Fox, as usual, wears down all his opposition and, just to keep him out of their hair, they let him go ahead, hoping for the best. As usual, Fox ignores the experienced builder, orders the workers to proceed with unsafe practices, and, finally, thinks that he has achieved the tallest building in the town. The question, of course, is how long he will enjoy the feeling of grandeur and the unjustified satisfaction.

The Fox's Tower (Francis the Fox #3) by Tuula Pere is an interesting and important book for children in the 8-12-year age group. It tells a story of conceit and treachery, greed and deceit, and unscrupulous scheming to get to the top at any cost. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled ambition that always ends in disaster, hurting innocent bystanders. The author did a magnificent and timely job of warning children what to look out for when they grow up to be adults in the real world. And she does this in an often humorous way without preaching and lecturing. The characters are finely drawn and the artwork by Andrea Alemanno is superb. I loved this book because it is a perfect balance between make-believe and reality, so the children reading it can decide to read it as a funny adventure story or an explanation for the reality of the adult world that they could already have sensed from their environment. I very highly recommend this to any parent anxious to prepare their children for the reality of the world ahead of them.

The Fox's Tower by Tuula Pere is the third book in the Francis the Fox series. Francis the Fox hasn't learned his lesson yet, and he still has high ambitions. This time, he has bought a plot of land in the city and has decided he wants to put a high-rise on it. His bad reputation precedes him; however, the Council votes to give him a chance to mend his ways. But he just can't help himself, and it doesn't take long before he slides back into his old habits. His meddling could spell danger for his building and everyone around it. Will it all fall down around his ears?

The Fox's Tower by Tuula Pere is another stunning children's storybook with wonderful illustrations by Andrea Alemanno. If your kids have read the first two books in the series, they'll know just how much trouble Francis the Fox can get into! The characters are all animals, which I believe makes it easier for children to get involved in the story and follow it. This is a lovely adventure story for children to follow, but, as with all of Tuula's books, there are messages beneath the fun. In this case, it teaches that cutting corners does not pay off and can bring destruction. In short, it tells kids that when they start on something, they should see it through to the end. If it all goes wrong, at least they know they tried and didn't try to cheat like Francis the Fox does. Tuula's books are easy to read and fun and they always bring a smile to my face.

Sometimes we think too big and somehow make things fall apart. It’s always a good idea to plan wisely and consider the advice of those who know what they’re doing. In Tuula Pere's The Fox’s Tower, Francis the Fox has set his sights on a tiny property between two high rises. He wants to build an even bigger tower, one that will illustrate his prosperity and ability to do things right – for a change. You see, Francis the Fox has a habit of getting himself into trouble. So, convincing city councilors that he can build a tower on a tiny lot, and build it right, takes some doing. In the end, Francis the Fox is on the verge of standing on the tallest tower in the city, albeit on a tiny lot, when, once again, his dreams are shattered. Francis the Fox still has a lot to learn.

Tuula Pere's early reader, The Fox’s Tower, is the third book in the Francis the Fox series. Told in simple language, this story will appeal to young readers and will help them improve their reading skills. Andrea Alemanno’s illustrations are superb and help move the story along, giving it an added dimension. There will be some chuckling amongst young readers as they follow Francis the Fox’s plans going awry. The plot follows the wily fox as he attempts to build his dream building and restore his reputation in the city. But, he’s in a hurry, and things never go right when one’s in a hurry, do they? The message is clear; listen to others and take their advice seriously. We can’t always have our way and do things in a rush.