Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, clear-eyed look at how honesty helps love grow.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
XO, OX: A LOVE STORY begins with Ox's first letter telling Gazelle how much he admires her: "Even when you are running from tigers you are like a ballerina who is running from tigers." She has her assistant respond with a form letter and a signed photo. His second letter gets the same response. By the third letter, Gazelle begins to pay attention. As Ox continues to praise Gazelle, he hints that she isn't perfect -- a comment that really rocks Gazelle's pedestal. She responds rather unkindly, hinting at his own faults and then declaring she could never love an animal so stout, ungraceful, and, simply, "unlovable." Ox is undeterred, and Gazelle shreds his letter and photo. But then she smiles and picks up a pen. "Dear Ox," she begins.
Is It Any Good?
For clumsy, kindly Ox and glamorous Gazelle, it certainly isn't love at first sight -- but their slowly evolving relationship turns out to be a far more romantic (and appealing) love story. XO, OX: A Love Story shows earlier assumptions and romantic notions giving way to more realistic, honest communication, with wonderful results. Amid the love and laughter are some great opportunities for talking with kids about kindness, empathy, and honesty.
Scott Campbell's watercolor-and-pencil artwork -- sage greens, coppery pinks, and rich browns -- warmly complements Adam Rex's charming letters. The ending might seem somewhat open-ended, but attentive readers will appreciate the change in the endpaper design: Instead of gazing in mirrors as she did at the book's start, at the end she's joining Ox to paint, rake leaves, enjoy music, and even sip from matching mugs. Awwwwww.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way XO, OX: A Love Story presents the idea of loving someone despite their faults. How is this different from the way romantic love is usually shown?
Why do you think Gazelle begins to think more kindly of Ox?
Do you think Ox should have obeyed her request to stop writing?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Scott Campbell
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : January 3, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate