Hands down, one of the greatest children’s books to ever exist. This Fantastic Mr Fox book review celebrates a Roald Dahl story that fills your heart with satisfaction as its events unfold. In that way, it reminded me of Matilda.

The story radiates positivity. Even though it has its share of villainous characters, they still cannot catch Fantastic Mr Fox because, well, he is fantastic.

I particularly love the way Roald Dahl creates his characters. He brings them to life through their unique styles and quirks. Even their names are memorable because of the way they sound. We saw that with the Oompa-Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This book gives us another collection of characters to enjoy. Dahl pays attention to the smallest details, and those little touches make each personality feel distinct.

I watched Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox before reading the book because I never had the chance to read it as a child. I absolutely loved the movie, probably because of Anderson’s wonderful direction. Reading the book later made me realise how much the film expanded upon the original story, particularly towards the end. Yet the soul of the book remains unmistakably Dahl’s.

The most beautiful part of the entire experience is the deep satisfaction you feel while watching Mr Fox cleverly escape the three villainous farmers and get things done. Challenges keep arriving, but he is always thinking ahead. His resourcefulness becomes a gentle reminder that one should be prepared for the worst in life.

Roald Dahl always hides a message inside his books, almost as if he is speaking directly to children. Here, Mr Fox outsmarts life-threatening challenges and fixes things for his family and the whole community. His intelligence matters, but so do his courage, loyalty and willingness to help others survive.

Once again, Dahl writes brilliantly in simple English and fills the book with goofy moments that will make you chuckle. It manages to be humorous and intelligent at the same time. As you read it, the child inside you begins jumping with joy. You may even wish you could imitate Mr Fox and become just as clever when trouble arrives.

Roald Dahl’s imagination remains beyond comparison. I am yet to find another writer who creates fantastical worlds with the same ease. Every book of his that I have read has transported me into a different universe where the characters feel so real and palpable that I wish I could be there with them. Penguin’s overview captures the central battle of wits without giving away the pleasure of seeing it unfold.

I love how honest, kind, smart, witty and intelligent his writing feels. Roald Dahl is definitely one of my favourite authors, and Fantastic Mr Fox is among the books I would most readily recommend, particularly to children.

I only wish I had read it sooner, when I was a child myself. Still, better late than never. This Fantastic Mr Fox book review comes with an easy recommendation. Go check it out.