Submitted by Ms. Tess!
XO, Ox by Adam Rex and Scott Campbell is an unexpected love story told through correspondence between an ox and a gazelle! It begins with a letter from Ox to Gazelle. “For some time now I have wanted to write a letter to say how much I admire you.” he writes. Gazelle, being a jungle celebrity, beloved by many, sends back a form letter. Ox writes again, and receives a form letter again. He writes again to note he received two letters from Gazelle with the exact same words, meaning she must be very smart and have “such a tidy mind,” and that he hopes Gazelle knows he loves her for her beauty AND her brains. Gazelle personally responds to this, not liking the thought of being repetitive, but assuring Ox, “There is no need to write me again.” But that won’t stop persistent Ox from writing again and again to tell her why he loves her, and Gazelle, who is initially convinced Ox is hopeless (she couldn’t love anyone so stout, and smelly, and clumsy, could she?) eventually opens her mind, and heart, to the possibility of returning Ox’s affections. This is a lovely story about writing letters – a lost art! – and not judging people based on preconceived notions. See this book listed in our catalog
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