A Map of Mr. Fox’s World – And Ours

Routine is something we often talk about as parents — whether it’s bedtime, school mornings, or screen time. But this week, I saw how a simple routine could help my son — my growing Page Master — stay excited and engaged with reading.

After finishing Chapter 1 of Fantastic Mr. Fox, he was already eager to dive into Chapter 2. That eagerness alone felt like a small win. We’ve slowly built a gentle habit together: he reads to me before bed, and then the next morning, we reflect on what he read — often during the drive to school. It’s not formal or forced. It’s just part of our day now. And it works.

Chapter 2 introduces us properly to Mr. Fox, the clever and confident hero of the story. My son was gripped. The moment he put the book down, he was full of questions and ideas, clearly connecting with the story. And the next morning, on our school run, we did something new.

I handed him a little map I had sketched — just a simple printout showing the hill, the farms, and the foxhole we’d read about so far. Nothing fancy. But to him, it was like gold. This was his map. It made him feel important — like he had a special role in the adventure.

Using that map, he retold the chapter to me. He traced Mr. Fox’s journey, explained what he was doing and where he had been, and brought the story back to life in his own words. It wasn’t a worksheet. It wasn’t a test. It was just him talking — and learning — without realising it. And I got to sit beside him, listening, supporting, being his Page Keeper.

It reminded me how powerful it can be to fit learning into our normal routines. Reading doesn’t always have to happen at a desk or with a pencil in hand. Sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re in the car, walking to school, or snuggled up at bedtime.

The map was just a tool — a little anchor for his thoughts. But it gave him ownership over the story and a way to visualise what he was reading. He didn’t just read about Mr. Fox. He walked alongside him.

We’ll see if this continues. Routines take time to build — and I know life doesn’t always stick to a schedule. But for now, we’ve found something that works. A bedtime chapter. A morning reflection. A shared story.

And for him, that’s not just helping with comprehension. It’s showing him that reading can be something to look forward to — something that belongs to him.

📥 Want to try the same activity?
Below I have included the map I used with my son. It’s perfect to use as a visual aid to spark discussion or storytelling in the car or at the breakfast table.