Author-illustrator Alex G. Griffiths creates an irresistible mystery for readers to solve in Fox and the Mystery Letter, a witty, whimsical picture book – with important themes of friendship, forgiveness and opening up about your feelings.

We caught up with Alex, during a stock signing at publisher Frances Lincoln Children’s Books // Quarto, to dive into the creation of the book, and Alex’s creative process.

Alex knew that he wanted to move into the Author-illustrator space, and; inspired by his self-published comic book The Middle of Nowhere (2015), Fox and the Mystery Letter adapts elements of that story but re-presents them in this charming picture book featuring Alex’s signature wit and edgy style.

A look at the The Middle of Nowhere

Tell us about your writing process, what inspired you?

I knew I wanted to work on writing and illustrating my own stories. I’m constantly inspired, and in writing the story for Fox and the Mystery Letter, I realised that elements from things I loved as a child, like video-games (The Legend of Zelda series) as well as music, or old cartoons like Ren & Stimpy helped inspire and inform the process.

Is there anything specific you hope readers take away after reading Fox and the Mystery Letter?

I hope readers come away with a sense of curiosity and excitement — that feeling of being immersed in the mystery of an adventure and wanting to know what happens next — and maybe feeling inspired to dream up their own stories too.

Alex doing stock signings at The Quarto offices, London

What was your journey to The Bright Agency?

I took the Children’s Illustration course at City Lit, London, and as the course ended the lecturer advised me to seek out The Bright Agency. After submitting, I joined in 2017.

What has been your high-point at The Bright Agency?

Can I have 3? Signing for Bright, for sure. But also the day Fox and the Mystery Letter got signed with Frances Lincoln. And then, when Fox 2 got signed.

Do you have any advice for an artist starting their career?

Develop your style and work on things that you actually enjoy doing - and is ‘you’. Just be yourself.

Do you have any advice for an author/illustrator?

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from others. An idea isn’t a story, and working with your agent, or your publishers, will really help you develop it into a book.

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To work with Alex, get in contact with Agent Nicky Lander here.

Fox and the Mystery Letter is available 28 August 2025 in the UK. Available in the US and Canada 9 September 2025. Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books // Quarto. Get your copy here.