Harquin the fox lives with his parents at the top of the hill, but at night, when everyone is asleep, he secretly goes down to the valley in search of adventure. Time and again, his father warns him of the dangers, but Harquin refuses to listen, and soon the gamekeeper catches sight of him. Harquin’s family is in despair as the hunt leads up the valley, but Harquin is ready and waiting to lead them on a merry dance.

"Burningham's brilliantly illustrated children's tale is guaranteed to turn any reader against hunting for good. Harquin is a young fox whose father strayed into the territory of the local hunt and got ripped to shreds. Harquin repeats the mistake and is scented by the hounds, but cannily leads the dogs and fat men on their horses into a quagmire while he slips away" (Guardian)