Mungo On His Own
Author: Matthew Burgess
Editor: Dana Fritts, Kate O'Sullivan
Publisher: HarperCollins

An Indie Next Pick!
One evening, young Mungo ventures into the forest to find the sweet, red berries he’s been dreaming about. But he soon finds that foraging alone can be hard for a kit like him, and Mungo gets lost. Very lost! Will he find the berries—and his way back home—all on his own?
With suspense, daring, and foxy resolve, here is a story for all readers who wish to strike out on their own before returning to the cozy warmth of home.
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​Pre-Order Mungo HERE
Available in stores January 27th, 2026

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Praise for Mungo

"★ - Atmospheric, softly textured illustrations warmly convey the wide-eyed kit’s range of emotions and playfully incorporate elements of Mungo’s perceptions into the forest landscape. Onomatopoeia also runs through many of the illustrations, amplifying Mungo’s feelings and begging to be read aloud. Kids beginning to explore their own physical boundaries and early independence will appreciate Mungo’s courageous mission, while its gentle language makes this a comforting lap time or cozy winter storytime read.” 

—Booklist

 

“Burgess’ soft text poetically reflects Mungo’s ups and downs, potentially sparking conversations about his emotions—or how a child might feel in Mungo’s paws. Benbassat’s illustrations adeptly convey big feelings like fear; sensitive readers may find some spreads a bit frightening.

Youngsters will fall for this cute little fox on his exciting journey of courage and growth" — Kirkus Reviews

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Burgess (Fireworks) and Benbassat (Tove Under the Tree) spotlight the mix of experiences and feelings that accompany early forays into independence throughout this empathic story about a fox kit’s inaugural solo outing.
— Publishers Weekly 

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“-Quite literally bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Mungo has a sort of manga-esque styling that brings just the right amount of silly with exaggerated energy in linework and movement (his fur turning spiky in fright is especially funny). The colors are rich but well-balanced, with natural hues harmonizing across spreads to make the forest feel vast and immersive, while the charcoal and pencils add sturdy lines and gentle blending. Kids looking to go a bit feral after snack time will appreciate Mungo's success as an argument for their own independence, and helicopter parents might take a lesson or two from mom's free-range approach..” — Project MUSE