Fantastic Mr. Fox

• Genre: Fiction; Children’s Literature; Fantasy
• Originally Published: 1970
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 600L; Grades 2-5
• Structure/Length: Approximately 112 pages; approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Mr. Fox, the protagonist, is a clever and resourceful fox who steals food from three wealthy, cruel farmers—Boggis, Bunce, and Bean—to feed his family. The central conflict arises as the farmers unite in a vengeful, obsessive attempt to capture and kill Mr. Fox, leading him to devise a plan not only to save his family but also to ensure food for all his animal friends.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of hunting and survival; mild peril; depiction of antagonism between humans and animals

Roald Dahl, Author

• Bio: Born in 1916; died in 1990; British novelist, short story writer, poet, and screenwriter; one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors; known for his wit, dark humor, and imaginative plots, often featuring children overcoming villainous adults.
• Other Works: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964); Matilda (1988); The BFG (1982); The Witches (1983)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Greed and Hubris Will Be Punished
• The Triumph of the Underdog
• The Importance of Family and Friendship

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will: