I love Chronicle's imports, like this one first published in Japan in 2003. The story begins in medias res when a sister realizes that she left her jump rope at the park and speeds off with her brother to retrieve it. Once arrived, they notice that the jump rope is already in use--by a group of playful foxes!

The illustrations are shadowy and a little off-putting--red pencil outlining and small, widely-spaced eyes on the siblings feel fantastical and otherworldly. Rough overlays of charcoal pencil create an almost-ominous texture and make the tenuous nature of this world evident. The bright greens of the park, playful compositions, and dialogue exchanges counteract this visual anxiety, however, and readers experience this push-and-pull of safety and danger and light and dark.

Ultimately, the book concludes with a generous gift and the promise of more play in this world where foxes talk and love to jump rope.