Foxtrot: His Code Name Was The Fox

review by

Tony Nappa

Twelve-year-old Tony Nappa gives you the 411 on two popular syndicated cartoon collections! 

FOXTROT: HIS CODE NAME WAS THE FOX by Bill Amend (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

I have to admit I am a big Foxtrot fan, so when my dad asked if I wanted to review the new Foxtrot collection, HIS CODE NAME WAS THE FOX, I jumped at the chance. Once again, this is a cartoon book that just made me laugh---and one I think parents and tweens alike will enjoy.

The book follows the wacky, everyday adventures the Fox family. There is Andy, the wife/mom/and part-time writer who never turns up the thermostat so it is always ice-cold in the house. And, she loves to cook---but it’s always terrible stuff like tofu casserole!

Then there is the dad, Roger, who knows nothing about computers. He also loves golf and chess but really, really stinks at them.

The oldest son is named Peter. He likes sports (but inherited his dad’s lack of talent at them) and loves to eat just like his dad. The daughter is Paige. She’s a typical fourteen-year-old who loves to go to the mall and could stay in it for weeks. She hates her annoying little brother, Jason, and is afraid of his pet Iguana. Jason is the youngest son, and his favorite things to do are scaring Paige with his Iguana, playing pranks on people, and (twisted person that he is) homework.  

There were several moments in this book that made me smile. In one of the strips, Peter is practicing for baseball---but it is in the middle of winter so he brings out a sunlamp to keep warm. Then he hits a foul tip that bumps the lamp and voila! He gets frozen solid.

It is also funny when Peter promises to go golfing with Roger, but it is raining so hard that Peter excitedly thinks he won’t have to go. His dad makes him go anyway and they both get soaked. Peter is miserable, but Roger’s only complaint is that scorecards aren’t made out of plastic.

I also liked it when Jason and his best friend Marcus play Star Wars in the snow. Jason is controlling an Imperial Walker and it gets destroyed. Then Jason complains to Marcus “The rebels did not throw snowballs!” and Marcus says, “Obviously they should have.” Funny stuff.  

I would recommend parents buy this book for their 8- to 12- year olds because it is a very good comic strip for all ages, and something the parents and kids can enjoy together.

###

Tony Nappa is a seventh-grader who has authored three books: Lunch Box Laughs; Lunch Box Trivia; and Lunch Box Promises