illustration of forest animals dressed for winter, gathered at night
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Hector Fox and the Snowy Surprise (Islandport Press). Text and illustrations © 2026 Astrid Sheckels.  

Special Storytime: Astrid Sheckels

Artists & Authors
For Families
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Auditorium

Free with Museum Admission

Winter has come to the Green Wood, and Hector Fox and his friends are busy preparing for a festive celebration. But when howling winds and wild snows arrive, the friends get lost in the storm. Will they find their way home? Will all of their party plans go to waste? In their newest, snowiest adventure, Hector Fox and his woodland crew must rely on each other and their courage more than ever as they discover that friendship is one of the greatest gifts of all. Join author/illustrator Astrid Sheckels as she reads her latest picture book, the long-awaited Hector Fox and the Snowy Surprise, answers questions, and does a drawing demonstration.

A book signing will follow the program. Can’t make it? You may reserve signed books.

Who You'll Meet
Artist Astrid Sheckels

Astrid Sheckels

Astrid Sheckels, a native of western Massachusetts, has always enjoyed stories involving imaginary animals, so she feels right at home bringing an assortment of well-dressed animals to life in her detailed watercolor illustrations. Her award-winning books include the Hector Fox and Friends series, the Sea Dog series, and Flora and the Jazzers. She describes her art as a mix of classic realism and whimsy. Find her on social media @astridsheckelsart.

Artist website
Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

A fox holding a book surrounded by other woodland creatures peers around a tree in a forest.

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

A fox and other woodland animals hold up candles to illuminate a stone room filled with treasures.

Hector Fox and the Raven's Revenge

Hector Fox and friends study a map beside a river.

Hector Fox and the Map of Mystery

A number of woodland animals in clothing cling to the upper branches of a pine tree.

Hector Fox and the Daring Flight

Illustration of forest animals in winter clothing, traveling in snow

Hector Fox and the Snowy Surprise

illustration of a ferret mopping outside a jazz concert

Flora and the Jazzers