Book review: Fantastic Mr Fox

Published August 21, 2010

There are a few stories and writers that childhood really seems incomplete without, Fantastic Mr Fox is one such story and Roald Dahl is one such writer. Dahl tells a seemingly straightforward tale in a humorous manner, and those who want to just read an interesting story will find what they want in his books and those looking for morals and lessons will find that too if they reflect deeper into the narrative.

In Fantastic Mr Fox, Mr Fox feeds himself and his family by simply stealing from three nearby farmers who are actually very mean fellows, so the readers feel that Mr Fox is justified in running off with their hens and ducks because they deserve it.

The three farmers don't like giving anything to anyone, let alone letting someone steal something, so they decide to catch Mr Fox and end his stealing spree once and for all. One night when Mr Fox steps out of his hideout, the farmers fire at him but Mr Fox manages to save himself.

The farmers then decide to guard the area to catch Mr Fox and this leads to the Fox family as well as other animals hiding underground to save themselves. But how long can they stay out of sight and without food? Well, the clever Mr Fox has a plan but will it work? Will the other animals agree?

Ha! I aren't going to tell what the plan is or there will be no fun reading the book yourself! This really is a nice story for those who are just testing the taste of books in paperback form. And trust me, this one tastes real yummy!

— Aamnah Arshad

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