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Cover of Fantastic Mr Fox

Fantastic Mr Fox

Roald Dahl (1970)

SubgenreMiddle Grade Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages96 (Quick Read (<250))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age7
Goodreads4.03/5 (120)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Animal Harm

Hero archetypes

TricksterFamily Man

Synopsis

The main character of Fantastic Mr. Fox is an extremely clever anthropomorphized fox named Mr. Fox. He lives with his wife and four little foxes. In order to feed his family, he steals food from the cruel, brutish farmers named Boggis, Bunce, and Bean every night. Finally tired of being constantly outwitted by Mr. Fox, the farmers attempt to capture and kill him. The foxes escape in time by burrowing deep into the ground. The farmers decide to wait outside the hole for the foxes to emerge. Unable to leave the hole and steal food, Mr. Fox and his family begin to starve. Mr. Fox devises a plan to steal food from the farmers by tunneling into the ground and borrowing into the farmer's houses. Aided by a friendly Badger, the animals bring the stolen food back and Mrs. Fox prepares a great celebratory banquet attended by the other starving animals and their families. Mr. Fox invites all the animals to live with him underground and says that he will provide food for them daily thanks to his underground passages. All the animals live happily and safely, while the farmers remain waiting outside in vain for Mr. Fox to show up.

Is Fantastic Mr Fox appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 7 and up.

This classic tale features mild peril as farmers attempt to kill Mr. Fox, but no graphic violence. The clever fox outsmarts cruel humans through cunning rather than combat, ending in a triumphant feast.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm.

Who'll love this

Kids will love watching the clever Mr. Fox outwit three mean farmers through tunnels and tricks to save his family and friends.

Tags

Animal FantasyClassic Children's LiteratureHeist Story