A warm place for little minds and big feelings

Cover of Fuzz Fox and the Missing Piece by Francis Ferndown, showing Fuzz beside a woodland campfire beneath the starsBook 2

Fuzz Fox and Friends

Fuzz Fox and the Missing Piece

Fuzz Fox loves Grandpa’s stories, shared puzzles and unhurried company. After Grandpa dies, the woodland carries on but Fuzz’s world does not fit together in quite the same way. Feelings arrive side by side: sadness, confusion, warmth, laughter and moments when he would rather say nothing at all.

DeathGriefRemembranceFamily changeFriendshipDifferent ways of missing someone

Ages 5–9 · Readiness matters more than a number.

See on Amazon UK All storybooks

Inside the story

A complete synopsis
for the grown-up.

At school, Miss Oakwood offers a quiet place without demanding an explanation. Berty and the other friends make room for silence as well as company. At home, Fuzz begins a memory box with small objects and stories that help him remember Grandpa.

The empty place in a favourite puzzle does not have to be filled or forgotten. It can remain part of the picture. The story uses clear language about death while respecting different family, cultural and personal ways of grieving.

The Little Woodlands Feelings Lab offers stories and conversation resources. It is not therapy, an assessment, a diagnostic service or an emergency service.

A warm memory by the fire

Before you read

Prepare the space,
not a correct response.

  • Read the book first and consider what the child already knows about the death or change.
  • Use clear words such as ‘died’ and ‘death’. Avoid describing death as sleep, which can create confusion or fear.
  • Make answering optional. A child may want to listen, draw, leave the room, sit close or return another day.
  • If the loss is recent, coordinate with the child’s parent, carer or pastoral team where appropriate.

Optional prompts

If talking feels useful

  1. 1

    What helped Fuzz when he did not want to talk?

  2. 2

    Which memory of Grandpa seemed warm or important to Fuzz?

  3. 3

    Why might two friends miss somebody in different ways?

  4. 4

    What could a trusted grown-up do if words feel hard?

  5. 5

    Is there a memory, object, drawing or story you would like to keep — or would you rather pass?

After the story

Make room for a memory

Choose a star, drawing, object or short story that holds a memory. It can be shared, kept in a box or left unfinished.

Open the activity

Related printable resources

Memory StarsDraw or write memories of someone who has died, with permission to leave stars blank. →The Missing Piece Memory BoxChoose small objects, drawings or stories to keep — without trying to fill the space a person leaves. →My Safe Grown-UpsIdentify trusted adults offline, without typing or submitting any names to the website. →Woodland Conversation CardsOpen prompts for children and grown-ups, with no correct response and a clear right to pass. →

Friends in this story

Meet the characters
who stay nearby.

Continue with Fuzz Fox and the Storm Inside, the other published Fuzz Fox story.

Fuzz FoxA thoughtful fox with feelings of every sizeBerty BearA steady friend who makes room beside himBell BeeA bright-hearted friend who brings movement and playRoux RabbitA warm friend who can help without taking overOlive OwlA patient listener who is curious before certainGrandpa BadgerA loved storyteller remembered by FuzzMiss OakwoodA teacher who offers choice and a safe pause