Step inside The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole
by Floris Books • 3 October 2025 • Picture Books • 0 Comments
As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, we love to get cosy with a seasonal book. The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole is a humorously hair-raising gothic tale by Cecilia Heikkilä. Told in four chapters, it’s perfect for older picture book lovers to curl up with on long, dark evenings. In this blog post, enjoy a fantastic reading of the book by Cecilia herself! Plus, at the end you’ll find a selection of more gently spooky books.
What people are saying about The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole:
“A triumphant blend of humor and horror, perfect for teaching and scaring by turn.”
Kirkus Reviews, ⭐Starred Review⭐
“Equal parts cozy and spooky, this autumnal picture book demonstrates the importance of openness among friends – and the monstrous consequences of hidden resentments.”
Foreword Reviews, ⭐Starred Review⭐
‘This lightly gothic picture book for readers seeking a “slightly spooky” story illustrates the dual perils of taking more than we give and not asking for what we need.’
Shelf Awareness, ⭐Starred Review
Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing.
As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox’s cookies (all of them).
Fox’s anger with Mole’s lack of consideration builds, and when Mole forgets Fox’s birthday, Fox too begins to transform…
Can Mole recognise what’s wrong and fix things before it’s too late?
Listen to Cecilia read the book
Get cosy and listen to author-illustrator Cecilia Heikkilä read her slightly spooky tale, accompanied by some of her stunning illustrations.
More not-so-spooky books for the season
Looking for more sweet tales of friendship with a seasonal twist? Try The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani – a wryly funny picture book about adapting to change, Mr Crump the Heartless Grump by Pog and Stéphanie Léon – a heartwarming tale about the power of kindness, or Merlina and the Magical Mishap by Daniela Drescher – a gently humorous story about making mistakes and trying your best.
