A bilingual (Cree/English) story tells of unexpected drama one winter afternoon when a contemporary Cree family goes ice fishing. Cody and Joe accompany Mama and Papa on the dog sled. They family picnics by the side of the lake and the boys play. Then a tired Joe snuggles with Mama in the sled while Cody goes off with Papa to set the net. That’s when the sled dogs catch whiff of a fox and take off running across the lake. “Mama dug her heels into the snow on both sides of the sled. Joe squealed with glee. 'Whoa!’ Mama screamed to the dogs. 'Whoa, whoa, whoa!’ But the dogs didn’t listen.” Papa must abandon the net and race after the sled to help stop it. But Cody’s dog Ootsie saves the net, to everyone’s surprise and delight. The overall soothing tone of this picture book narrative is punctuated by brief high suspense in a welcome story illustrated by oil paintings that beautifully evoke the cold winter landscape. (Ages 5–8)

One winter afternoon, Joe and Cody went ice fishing with their papa, their mama, and Cody's little black dog, Ootsie. It was the perfect day to fish. The sky was clear, and the sun made the snow sparkle like diamonds.

Brothers Joe and Cody are spending a chilly winter afternoon ice fishing with their parents. Cody is helping Papa fish, while Mama and Joe doze in the sled. Suddenly the sled dogs sit up and sniff. A fox is across the lake, her fur as bright as flames. The sled dogs give chase, pulling Mama and Joe along on a wild ride.

Written in both English and Cree, Fox on the Ice is a wonderful, lyrical story of celebration from award-winning author Tomson Highway, capturing a passing way of life for future generations. Illustrator Brian Deines has created an evocative masterpiece of shimmering oils depicting the beauty of northern Manitoba.