Fantastic Mr. Fox (Colour Edition)
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a children's novel written by Roald Dahl that follows the adventures of Mr. Fox as he cleverly outwits three nasty farmers named Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. These farmers, tired of Mr. Fox stealing their livestock to feed his family, join forces to catch him. They attempt to dig him out of his home, but Mr. Fox and his family dig deeper into the ground to escape. With nowhere left to hunt for food, Mr. Fox comes up with an ingenious plan to steal from the farmers' stores without them noticing. He enlists the help of his fellow animal friends and together they tunnel their way to success, securing food not only for the Fox family but for all the other hungry animals as well. The story celebrates cleverness, resilience, and the importance of family and community, all woven together with a touch of mischief and humor. Additionally, various formats such as audiobooks read by famous voices and new Roald Dahl apps provide unique experiences to enjoy this classic story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Fox
Mrs. Fox
Badger
Farmer Bean
Farmer Bunce
Farmer Boggis
Bean Ebony
Boggis
Bunce
Discussion points
What do you think makes Mr. Fox fantastic?
Why do you think the farmers are so determined to catch Mr. Fox?
How do the other animals react to Mr. Fox's plans?
What would you have done if you were in Mr. Fox's place?
How did Mr. Fox show his cleverness throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios by asking what they would do differently if they were Mr. Fox.
Discuss the characteristics that make Mr. Fox a leader and ask your child about qualities they admire in a leader.
Highlight the teamwork among the animals and relate it to the importance of cooperation in real-life situations.
Use the conflict between Mr. Fox and the farmers to discuss problem-solving and the consequences of actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Fantastic Mr. Fox', Mr. Fox collaborates with his animal friends to outsmart the farmers and secure food for their families. This teamwork is pivotal in overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together, whether in school projects or in sports, to achieve common goals and solve problems collectively.
Example Lesson: Ingenuity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Mr. Fox displays cleverness and resourcefulness by devising creative plans to evade the farmers and gather food for his community, highlighting his adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and use their resources wisely to navigate challenges in their daily lives, such as figuring out solutions to puzzles or conflicts.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The farmers' excessive and relentless pursuit to catch Mr. Fox is driven by greed, which ultimately leads to their downfall and loss. This serves as a cautionary tale within the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can see the negative impact of being overly greedy and learn the value of contentment and fairness in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles and the farmers' attempts to capture him, Mr. Fox remains determined and never gives up on ensuring the safety and well-being of his family and friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in facing personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or relationships, reinforcing the idea that persistent efforts lead to success.
Example Lesson: Standing up to bullies
Explanation: Mr. Fox faces the bullying from the farmers with courage and strategic thinking, standing up against their intimidation and threats to protect his family and friends.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to courageously confront bullying, whether for themselves or others, and understand the importance of advocating for fairness and respect in social situations.