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Mem Fox
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Kathryn Brown
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Tough Boris Paperback – Picture Book, September 1, 1998

by Mem Fox (Author), Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 234 ratings
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Boris von der Borch is a mean, greedy old pirate--tough as nails, through and through, like all pirates. Or is he? When a young boy sneaks onto Boris's ship, he discovers that Boris and his mates aren't quite what he expected.
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    260L
  6. Dimensions
    10.03 x 9.12 x 0.11 inches
  7. Publisher
    Clarion Books
  8. Publication date
    September 1, 1998
  9. ISBN-10
    0152018913
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0152018917
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Boris the pirate is as mean, greedy and scary as they come. But when his parrot dies, he mourns like anyone else. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Resisting the temptation to reveal everything, author and illustrator instead give imaginative children something much better - a picture book that luxuriates in pure possibility.-The New York Times Book Review
—

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; First Edition (September 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0152018913
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0152018917
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 260L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.03 x 9.12 x 0.11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 234 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Mem Fox

    Mem Fox

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    MEM FOX is the author of many acclaimed books, including Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Time for Bed, and, for adults, Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Kathryn Brown

    Kathryn Brown

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
234 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Warrior Woman
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for boys experiencing grief
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Love love love this book! It’s especially good for boys experiencing grief. Boris is tough but when his pet bird dies, he cries. I cried too. Beautiful story without being sappy.
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Robin
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful heart lesson
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2022
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Such a beautiful, meaningful book for children and adults alike. So much more is conveyed through the illustrations than the simple words. And both speak to the heart.
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Janice M. Kruse
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique illistrations and story.
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2015
Verified Purchase
Tough Boris has been one of my favorites over the years. I've bought several copies and shared them with children so they have the joy of looking at and reading the story. The illustrations are so intriguing as one observes all that is taking place at the same time. This book is one that you want to be sure to take your time with and enjoy. Kind of , "oh look there's the violin case in the boys hand, and oh look a pirate has it now. In the end it serves as the final resting place for the pirates bird that died and is buried at sea. Also for little guys hearing the story, the fact that pirates cry and so do I (the young boy) allows young ones to cry and not be ashamed. I just like it all.
4 people found this helpful
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Mary C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect affirmation!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2023
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This book is the most wonderful way to introduce the grieving process to young children- even helped me as an adult!!!
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Elizabeth Oh
5.0 out of 5 stars Tough Boris
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2020
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This is one of my favorite Children's books! If you haven't discovered Mem Fox you're in for a treat! The charming thing about this particular book is how the beautiful watercolors done by Kathryn Brown show the story in engaging detail as told in minimal text. I find this book appropriate for all ages on many levels. As a children's illustrator, you must have this in your collection. Kathryn's work is rich in color, texture, and expression. Truly love her work! And of course, if you are a writer for children, "Tough Boris" will inspire your muse!
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Fay Pallen
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2023
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Great book that illustrates one is not all bad. There are good common human emotions in all. Super illustrations. Although projected for young children, I have used this book with elementary school students.
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HLGStrider
4.0 out of 5 stars Cute story
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2013
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This is kind of a cute but still sad story. It is very simple and short, however, very quick to read. Best for a very young child who likes pirates or is dealing with the loss of a pet.
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Amy Greenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Big Boys Do Cry
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2007
Verified Purchase
Tough Boris by Mem Fox is a must read-aloud selection for any elementary school to middle school classroom. It is a wonderful teaching tool for exploring characterizatioin and loss. The understated language juxtiposed with sensitively drawn illustrations allows children of all ages to explore their own feelings about losing someone or something you love and how people handle loss. The book gives children, especially boys, permission to reveal their emotions, letting them know that it is indeed normal to cry and express grief, and that we must look beyond superficial appearances and stereotypes to see into another person's heart. It is a beautiful and touching story and I have yet to read it to my students without shedding a tear or two myself.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Maple Madness
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Book for All Children
Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2018
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I've bought several copies for my friends with young kids. It's lovely book for all children that is told primarily in pictures and then in words.
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HotCupOfTeaPls
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully piratey with a surprisingly emotional twist
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
Starts out very tough and piratey, beautifully simple prose throughout with an unexpected twist. My 4yo daughter very much enjoyed it, though was a bit confused as a slightly hormonal mummy wept for 20 minutes after reading it.
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Lindsey M
5.0 out of 5 stars 😀
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great story
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Canuck Mum
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2012
Verified Purchase
My 5-year old son loves this book! I think the plot "twist" at the end is really cute and the book has a nice pace for reading aloud.
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Gabi
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
story within a story interesting juxtaposition of illustrations
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