The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows is a book about friendship, belonging, the pull of home and the lure of the open road. Here is why it rewards reading aloud — and re-reading — at every age.
Archive
Author: Lydia Staikova
Lydia Staikova holds an MA in English and Bulgarian Literature and Linguistics from Shoumen University, where she studied pedagogy, psychology, and child development. She has taught English and counseled students for thirty years. She is a parent and homeschooled her children for several years. Lydia writes all editorial content on mrfoxcrafts.com. See full bio here.
Celebrating the Elderly
In many traditional cultures, old age carries authority and meaning. Here is a reflection on what is being lost as that changes — and why it matters for how children grow up.
Some thoughts on reading fairy tales
Many parents hesitate over fairy tales — the darkness, the violence, the moral ambiguity. Here is why those hesitations may be misplaced, and what children understand about stories that adults often forget.
The Children of Noisy Village
The children of Noisy Village wear plain clothes and play with simple toys. They do not have any screens to keep them entertained, and they do not have access to enrichment activities. In fact, nobody cares to keep them entertained as in this old-fashioned world it is children who are responsible for their own entertainment, so they have to create it on their own.
Children, scary stuff and Halloween
How do children learn about evil, fear and moral ambiguity — and what does Halloween, with its contradictory Christian and pre-Christian roots, have to teach us about that process?
Why we use hard wood to make our toy figurines
Toys made of hard wood are stronger and heavier. They retain their beauty after extensive use. Heavier toys aid children’s sensory development.
Why we make people of different times and cultures
Children who grow up knowing about other cultures and periods of history develop a deeper understanding of their own lives. Here is the thinking behind Mr Fox Crafts’ people collections — from Himba figures to People of Old.
Playing with Cougar
The cougar — also known as the mountain lion or puma — is North America’s most widely distributed wild cat. Here is how its biology, folklore and mythology can enrich children’s play with wooden figurines.
Playing with toy skunks
Skunks are more fascinating than their reputation suggests — highly adaptable, surprisingly intelligent, and rich in folklore. Here is how to use that to enrich children’s play.
Playing with toy raccoons
Raccoons are clever, adaptable and culturally significant across North American traditions. Here is how their natural history and folklore can make play with wooden raccoon figurines richer and more engaging.