Fantastic Mr. Fox Book Summary - Fantastic Mr. Fox Book explained in key points

Fantastic Mr. Fox summary

Brief summary

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl is a charming tale about a clever fox who outsmarts three farmers. It's a story of wit, bravery, and the importance of family.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    Fantastic Mr. Fox
    Summary of key ideas

    Outwitting the Farmers

    In Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, we meet Mr. Fox, a clever and cunning creature who lives with his wife and four little foxes. The family's peaceful life is threatened when three greedy and cruel farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, become determined to catch Mr. Fox and put an end to his nightly raids on their farms. Despite their efforts, Mr. Fox manages to outwit the farmers each time, leaving them furious and desperate.

    The farmers' retaliation is swift and brutal: they dig up the hill where Mr. Fox and his family live, forcing them to escape deep underground. With their food supply dwindling, Mr. Fox decides to go on a dangerous mission to steal food from the farmers. His decision worries Mrs. Fox, who fears for her husband's safety.

    A Daring Plan

    Mr. Fox's plan is to burrow into the farmers' stores and steal their goods, but his first attempt nearly ends in disaster. The farmers, furious at the audacity of the thieving fox, decide to wait outside the hole, determined to shoot Mr. Fox as he emerges. Mr. Fox, however, outsmarts them by digging further, creating a network of tunnels that lead to the farmers' various storehouses.

    As Mr. Fox continues his raids, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean become increasingly frustrated and enlist the help of local hunters to catch the elusive thief. Meanwhile, Mrs. Fox and the other animals are growing increasingly worried about Mr. Fox's reckless behavior and the danger he is putting himself in.

    Resilience and Reconciliation

    Despite the increasing danger, Mr. Fox remains undeterred, continuing his raids and even managing to save his friend, a small, timid creature named Kylie, from a trap set by the farmers. However, his luck eventually runs out, and he is shot by the farmers while trying to steal from them. Badly injured, he manages to drag himself back to the safety of the underground burrows.

    As Mr. Fox recuperates, the other animals and Mrs. Fox come together to support him. They manage to survive on a diet of only apples, which they find growing in a secret orchard, and they even celebrate their survival with a feast. Mr. Fox, humbled by his near-death experience, apologizes to the other animals for putting them in danger and promises to change his ways.

    The Final Showdown

    The farmers, however, are not content to let Mr. Fox and his friends live in peace. They decide to flush the animals out by flooding their burrows. In response, the animals decide to dig their way to the farmers' storehouses and live there instead. The farmers, unaware of the animals' plan, celebrate their victory prematurely, only to find the animals waiting for them when they open the storehouses.

    In a final showdown, the animals manage to drive the farmers away, reclaiming their territory and ensuring their survival. Mr. Fox, now a wiser and more humble creature, promises never to steal from the farmers again. Instead, he and the other animals will live off the land, taking only what they need and no more.

    Conclusion

    In Fantastic Mr. Fox, Roald Dahl presents a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community. Despite the odds stacked against them, Mr. Fox and his friends manage to outsmart the farmers and secure their survival. Through his experiences, Mr. Fox learns the importance of humility and the need to live in harmony with the land and its resources. It's a heartwarming and thrilling tale that teaches us the value of courage, resilience, and the strength of unity.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Fantastic Mr. Fox about?

    Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful children's novel by Roald Dahl that tells the story of a clever and cunning fox who outsmarts three mean farmers. With its charming characters and exciting plot, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

    Fantastic Mr. Fox Review

    Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970) tells the tale of a clever fox outsmarting greedy farmers. Here's why this book is worth reading:
    • Featuring charming animal characters and their daring adventures, it captures readers' imaginations and provides a delightful escape from reality.
    • With wit and humor woven throughout the narrative, the story entertains both children and adults alike, bringing joy and laughter to its audience.
    • The book's exciting plot twists and unexpected turns ensure that every page is filled with anticipation, making it a truly engaging and enjoyable read.

    Who should read Fantastic Mr. Fox?

    • Children and young readers who enjoy imaginative and adventurous stories

    • Those who appreciate clever and resourceful characters

    • People who love animals and nature

    About the Author

    Roald Dahl was a beloved British author known for his captivating and imaginative children's books. With a career spanning several decades, Dahl created timeless classics such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," and "James and the Giant Peach." His unique storytelling style and dark humor have enchanted readers of all ages. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is one of Dahl's most popular works, telling the tale of a clever fox who outsmarts three greedy farmers. Dahl's ability to create magical worlds and unforgettable characters has secured his place as one of the greatest children's authors of all time.

    Categories with Fantastic Mr. Fox

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    37 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Fantastic Mr. Fox FAQs 

    What is the main message of Fantastic Mr. Fox?

    The main message is to embrace cleverness and teamwork in overcoming challenges.

    How long does it take to read Fantastic Mr. Fox?

    The estimated reading time is short. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is Fantastic Mr. Fox a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The book is worth reading for its heartwarming tale of resilience and wit.

    Who is the author of Fantastic Mr. Fox?

    Roald Dahl is the author of Fantastic Mr. Fox.

    What to read after Fantastic Mr. Fox?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Fantastic Mr. Fox, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
    • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
    • The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
    • On Being by Peter Atkins
    • The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
    • Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
    • Choose Yourself by James Altucher
    • Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
    • The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
    • The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan