Mem Fox

Mem Fox – Life, Work, and Insightful Words

Explore the life and legacy of Mem Fox, the beloved Australian children’s author and literacy advocate. Discover her journey, seminal works like Possum Magic, her philosophy on reading, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Merrion Frances “Mem” Fox (born 5 March 1946) is an Australian author and educator, best known for her children’s books and her passionate advocacy for literacy and reading aloud. Her work has touched thousands of young readers and educators around the world, blending warmth, imagination, and a deep respect for language and childhood learning.

Early Life and Background

Mem Fox was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 5 March 1946, to Nancy and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge.

When she was just six months old, her parents moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where they served as teaching missionaries at the Hope Fountain mission.

Later, she was moved to an all-white school, where she experienced teasing because of her accent—echoing a cross-cultural upbringing.

As a young adult, Mem aspired toward performance and drama. She attended Rose Bruford College in London, combining drama studies with a compulsory teaching certificate.

During her drama training she met Malcolm Fox, whom she married in 1969. Adelaide, South Australia by 1970.

Later she furthered her studies in children’s literature at Flinders University in Australia.

Literary Career & Works

Early Steps & Possum Magic

Though she once considered a dramatic career, Mem found her calling in writing and literacy.

One of the assignments during her children’s literature course produced a story titled Hush the Invisible Mouse. Over time and through revision, that story evolved into Possum Magic, the book that would become her most famous work.

Originally, the draft was repeatedly rejected (nine publishers over five years), but was finally accepted by Omnibus Books in Adelaide in 1983. The publisher requested cuts and a change: the mice became Australian possums, reinforcing a national flavor.

Possum Magic follows Grandma Poss and her granddaughter Hush, who has been made invisible to protect her, and their journey to restore her visibility by traveling across iconic Australian landscapes.

Other Significant Works

Mem Fox’s bibliography is wide and diverse, spanning picture books, read-alouds, and works aimed at parents and teachers. Some highlights include:

• Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (1984) — a touching story about a boy helping his elderly friend recover memory.

• Time for Bed (1993) — gentle rhymes and bedtime scenes of baby animals preparing for sleep.

• Where Is the Green Sheep? — one of her more recent picture books (with illustrator Judy Horacek) combining imaginative visuals and playful tone.

• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes — a popular read-aloud celebrating babies and difference.

• Reading Magic: How Your Child Can Learn to Read Before School — and Other Read-aloud Miracles — a non-fiction guide showing her passion for literacy and read-aloud practices.

Over her career, Mem Fox has produced more than 40 children’s books, many translated into multiple languages, alongside several non-fiction works for adults on literacy, writing, and education.

Teaching, Literacy Advocacy & Later Life

Before fully dedicating herself to writing, Mem Fox had a strong academic and teaching component. She was Associate Professor in Literacy Studies at Flinders University, teaching for many years until her retirement in 1996.

Since retiring from formal academic life, Mem Fox has traveled globally, giving workshops and talks about children’s literature, literacy, and the importance of reading aloud.

In February 2017, during a trip to the U.S. where she was invited to speak, Fox was detained and interrogated by U.S. immigration officers — an incident she later described as traumatic, declaring she might never return to the U.S.

Themes, Style & Influence

Approach & Voice

Fox’s style often emphasizes read-aloud cadence, repetition, warmth, and inclusive language. Her works are crafted to be shared — for adult and child to read aloud together.

She is a vocal advocate of reading aloud from infancy and believes in its power to nurture vocabulary, curiosity, and bonding.

Her childhood across continents and cultural contexts frequently informs empathy, diversity, and a respect for difference in her stories.

Legacy & Recognition

Mem Fox’s contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards and honors:

• She was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1993, for her services to children’s literature.

• She is recipient of the Dromkeen Medal (1990) for literary achievement.

• She holds honorary doctorates from the University of Wollongong and Flinders University.

Her books continue to be staples in schools and libraries in Australia, and many have crossed international borders, influencing readers and educators globally.

Memorable Quotes

Here are a few quotes that reflect Mem Fox’s philosophy on reading, childhood, and writing:

“Reading aloud to children does much more than you ever imagined — it’s the single most important thing you can do.”
— Mem Fox

“Children are the most honest critics; when they are not enthralled, it’s time to change tactics.”
— Mem Fox (often cited in writing workshops)

“I don’t give a hoot whether or not children like a book — what I care about is whether they are listening.”

“If a child can’t read the way we teach them, we should teach them the way they can read.”

“I use my stories to teach children about language, kindness, and the joy in being human.”

These excerpts show her deep commitment to literacy, respect for children’s responses, the adaptability of instruction, and the humanist heart behind her writing.

Lessons from Mem Fox’s Journey

1. Persistence transforms rejections into success
   Possum Magic was turned down multiple times but ultimately became a classic.

2. Write for the listener, not the critic
   Her emphasis on reading aloud suggests that stories are meant to be heard as much as read.

3. Advocate beyond the page
   She leveraged her position to push literacy and reading-aloud movements, not just produce books.

4. Adapt and evolve
   Though “retired” from formal academia, she continues writing, speaking, and influencing the field.

5. Connect across boundaries
   Her cross-cultural upbringing teaches that empathy, difference, and voice enrich storytelling.

Conclusion

Mem Fox remains a towering figure in children’s literature and literacy advocacy. Through her gift for language, her relentless championing of read-alouds, and her belief in the power of storytelling, she has left an indelible mark on generations of readers and educators.