fantastic mr. fox

Dahl, Roald, & Blake, Quentin. (2009). Fantastic Mr. Fox. Paw Prints.  

ISBN: 978-0142410349

In this slim selection from Roald Dahl’s classic repertoire, we meet Mr. Fox, who lives with his wife, Mrs. Fox, and their children in an underground burrow. The best part of their home is its location--in the middle of three farms that raise ducks, geese, and turkeys, so there’s always a ready supply of dinner. Excited at the prospect of each stealing escapade, and justifiably proud of his technique, Mr. Fox is above all concerned about feeding his family. Mr. Fox is an expert hunter; catching the birds is no problem.

But there is a problem. Three problems, in fact: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, the three farmers who Mr. Fox steals from. Like the villains who populate other Roald Dahl books (James and the Giant Peach, The Twits, Matilda), these farmers are nasty, unpleasant, and all around horrible. As the children in the town sing:

Boggis, Bunce, and Bean

One fat, one short, one lean.

These horrible crooks

So different in looks

Were nonetheless equally mean.

Upset that Mr. Fox steals their food so brazenly, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean plot catch him in the act, but this proves a difficult task. One close call leaves Mr. Fox without a tail; this is when it dawns on Mr. and Mrs. Fox that these farmers mean business. Together, the farmers join forces to dig the fox family out of their underground home. The foxes are on the run. The farmers vow to catch Mr. Fox, no matter how much damage it does to their farms.

As Mr. Fox and his family dig for their lives, we meet other animals along the way, including a badger, a family of weasels, and a grouchy rat. All the animals have been terrorized by the farmers and are afraid of going outside. Working together, with Mr. Fox at the helm, they devise a daring plan of escape and retribution… but will it work? Read and find out.

Roald Dahl’s expressive language and Quentin Blake’s signature illustrations make this a fabulous read aloud selection for young tweens. It’s a good independent reading choice too; some words are long, but the chapters are short—even reluctant readers might want to give it a go. This small book is a terrific tale of adventure, tricks, and fun.