Notre Dame alum and author Kelsey Fox ’06 (NDP) lives in Royal Oak with her husband, Steve, son, Cody, five chickens and two cats.
Called “Just try it Wyatt,” the book is the first in a planned series of books by the author featuring Wyatt, the red fox, who is very set in his ways, but discovers that trying new things can be fun and exciting.
According to Fox, the second book in the "Adventures of Wyatt" series will be called “Please be quiet Wyatt,” where the little fox learns when and where he needs to be quiet and that it's important to let others have a turn to speak, too.
Fox has been busy since graduating from Notre Dame in 2006. She received a BS in elementary education from Oakland University and worked as a kindergarten teacher initially and now is a part-time 4/5 ELA (English language arts) teacher in Royal Oak. She married Steven Fox and they have a baby boy, Cody, who was born in March.
She’s also doing a book-signing tour to help boost book sales.
“I am making author appearances at various schools throughout the week to promote my book and on the weekends, too,” she said. “I want to make sure store sales continue to do well.”
Fox (and Wyatt) were at Detroit Country Day School on Dec. 29 as part the school’s Holiday Bazaar.
“As a teacher, I want to make sure that each book I write has a learning element in it,” she said. “In ‘Just try it Wyatt,’ you will find an informational page on the red fox along with an interactive writing activity.”
She said all of her book characters are based on students she has known through her teaching career, or children of friends, or, of course, family.
“I love to incorporate what I know into my work because it helps make stories that the reader can not only relate to, but teaches them some life lessons.”
Fox also said that NDP had a hand in her creativity and success.
“I took many art and design classes while at Prep and my teachers were always very encouraging,” she said.
Her website, www.booksbykelseyfox.com, has books for sale as well as information about upcoming events, new book release dates and printable activities for kids.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.