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Fantastic Mr. Fox and Other Animal Stories
Includes:
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!
Someone's been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief—it's Fantastic Mr. Fox! Working alone they could never catch him; but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don't know is that they're not dealing with just any fox—Mr. Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now.
ESIO TROT
An ancient spell, 140 tortoises, and a little bit of magic…
Mr. Hoppy is in love with his neighbor, Mrs. Silver; but she is in love with someone else—Alfie, her pet tortoise. With all her attention focused on Alfie, Mrs. Silver doesn’t even know Mr. Hoppy is alive. And Mr. Hoppy is too shy to even ask Mrs. Silver over for tea. Then one day Mr. Hoppy comes up with a brilliant idea to get Mrs. Silver's attention. If Mr. Hoppy's plan works, Mrs. Silver will certainly fall in love with him. After all, everyone knows the way to a woman’s heart is through her tortoise.
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid greedy grumptious brute who loves to guzzle up little boys and girls. But the other animals have had enough of his cunning tricks, so they scheme to get the better of this foul fiend, once and for all!
THE GIRAFFE AND THE PELLY AND ME
Who needs a ladder when you’ve got a giraffe with an extended neck?
The Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company certainly doesn't. They don’t need a pail, either, because they have a pelican with a bucket-sized beak. With a monkey to do the washing and Billy as their manager, this business is destined for success. Now they have their big break—a chance to clean all 677 windows of the Hampshire House, owned by the richest man in all of England! That’s exciting enough, but along the way there are surprises and adventures beyond their wildest window-washing dreams.
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!
Someone's been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief—it's Fantastic Mr. Fox! Working alone they could never catch him; but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don't know is that they're not dealing with just any fox—Mr. Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now.
ESIO TROT
An ancient spell, 140 tortoises, and a little bit of magic…
Mr. Hoppy is in love with his neighbor, Mrs. Silver; but she is in love with someone else—Alfie, her pet tortoise. With all her attention focused on Alfie, Mrs. Silver doesn’t even know Mr. Hoppy is alive. And Mr. Hoppy is too shy to even ask Mrs. Silver over for tea. Then one day Mr. Hoppy comes up with a brilliant idea to get Mrs. Silver's attention. If Mr. Hoppy's plan works, Mrs. Silver will certainly fall in love with him. After all, everyone knows the way to a woman’s heart is through her tortoise.
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid greedy grumptious brute who loves to guzzle up little boys and girls. But the other animals have had enough of his cunning tricks, so they scheme to get the better of this foul fiend, once and for all!
THE GIRAFFE AND THE PELLY AND ME
Who needs a ladder when you’ve got a giraffe with an extended neck?
The Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company certainly doesn't. They don’t need a pail, either, because they have a pelican with a bucket-sized beak. With a monkey to do the washing and Billy as their manager, this business is destined for success. Now they have their big break—a chance to clean all 677 windows of the Hampshire House, owned by the richest man in all of England! That’s exciting enough, but along the way there are surprises and adventures beyond their wildest window-washing dreams.
3 pages, Audio CD
First published September 25, 2013
20 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,475 books26.7k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
September 6, 2020
I sometimes wish I could live in Roald Dahl's stories. While there are cruel people and poverty, there is almost always justice doled out to those who do wrong and meet out cruelty. Would that only be true in the everyday world. Plus add cheeky talking animals and there is a sense of things resolving as they should. No orphan or lonely child is left that way, but instead find allies and get the better of the greedy adults that were cruel to them. There is a thin line between wrongs righted and revenge here, but always wonderful entertainment.
March 21, 2024
This was just alright. The best was Mr. Fox but even he turns out to be a thief but it's alright because it's to feed his starving family & the rest were disturbing in their own way and is that because my adult brain is reading it differently than a child? Yes of course, but you have a brutish killer of an enormous crocodile going on about his favorite meal being tender & juicy children and I get pedophile-ish vibes. Then there's Mr. Hoppy that is totes a stalker and essentially gaslights his neighbor lady he "loves" and works himself into her life with some con about an ancient spell to help her tortoise grow. Are children really reading this because it is not okay. And the Giraffe story seemed a little Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas - British version. This gets a 3 star rating only for the excellent cast enacting these stories.
May 25, 2017
Includes:
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
I am still in the year of reading Roald Dahl. My goal is to read every Roald Dahl book, that I can get my hands on in 2017. I also have a book buddy who is doing it with me!
Fantastic Mr. Fox:
This was not my favorite book by Roald Dahl...
"Fantastic Mr. Fox is on the run! The three meanest farmers around are out to get him. Fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don’t know is that they’re not dealing with just any fox–Mr. Fox would never surrender. But only the most fantastic plan ever can save him now."
Esio Trot:
This is a cute story where Mr. Hoppy is in love with Mrs. Silver, but her heart belongs to Alfie, her pet tortoise. Mr. Hoppy tries to win her heart over by helping her tortoise "grow" to the length and height that Mrs. Silver wants. His plan takes one hundred and forty tortoises, an ancient spell, and a little bit of magic.
The Enormous Crocodile:
The Enormous Crocodile loves to eat plump, juicy little child, and he wants to eat as many as he can. But when the other animals in the jungle join together to put an end to this, the Enormous Crocodile learns a lesson he won't soon forget.
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me:
This was an extremely cute book. I read this book as an adult, for me, by me, with no one else. As an adult I forget how fun it is to read children's chapter books. It brings back memories of when I was in elementary school. Roald Dahl was my favorite author and Matilda was my favorite book of all time in elementary school. My new goal is read every book by him!
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
I am still in the year of reading Roald Dahl. My goal is to read every Roald Dahl book, that I can get my hands on in 2017. I also have a book buddy who is doing it with me!
Fantastic Mr. Fox:
This was not my favorite book by Roald Dahl...
"Fantastic Mr. Fox is on the run! The three meanest farmers around are out to get him. Fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don’t know is that they’re not dealing with just any fox–Mr. Fox would never surrender. But only the most fantastic plan ever can save him now."
Esio Trot:
This is a cute story where Mr. Hoppy is in love with Mrs. Silver, but her heart belongs to Alfie, her pet tortoise. Mr. Hoppy tries to win her heart over by helping her tortoise "grow" to the length and height that Mrs. Silver wants. His plan takes one hundred and forty tortoises, an ancient spell, and a little bit of magic.
The Enormous Crocodile:
The Enormous Crocodile loves to eat plump, juicy little child, and he wants to eat as many as he can. But when the other animals in the jungle join together to put an end to this, the Enormous Crocodile learns a lesson he won't soon forget.
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me:
This was an extremely cute book. I read this book as an adult, for me, by me, with no one else. As an adult I forget how fun it is to read children's chapter books. It brings back memories of when I was in elementary school. Roald Dahl was my favorite author and Matilda was my favorite book of all time in elementary school. My new goal is read every book by him!
June 29, 2022
Oh my gosh so funny! As great as these stories were when I read them to my kids, they're even better listening to Chris O'Dowd, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Geoffrey Palmer perform them for me! Seriously... there's singing (esp a lot by Stephen Fry - so wonderful!). And the trombone in Esio Trot is hilarious.
If you've never read these stories, or if you're revisting them for the 100th+ time, grab the audio version of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox and Other Animal Stories, it's totally worth it!
If you've never read these stories, or if you're revisting them for the 100th+ time, grab the audio version of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox and Other Animal Stories, it's totally worth it!
February 8, 2014
This collection of stories written by Roald Dahl contains Fantastic Mr. Fox, Esio Trot, The Enormous Crocodile, and The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me with each story narrated by a different reader. The stories are all highly imaginative and definitely targeted to young children. The stories and their readings are very British, so if that turns you away this may not be the collection for you. Don't expect deep life lessons in these stories but just some silly fun.
Fantastic Mr. Fox read by Chris O'Dowd - The headline story and my favorite of the bunch. Mr. Fox gets into trouble with 3 mean farmers and has to find some way to save his family! The reading by Chris O'Dowd has great voices and sound effects. I found one or two of the voices mildly irritating but I'm sure kids would love it. Lesson: It's ok to steal if you're stealing from mean people to help your family?
Esio Trot read by Geoffrey Palmer - Also an interesting story about a guy who teaches his female neighbor how to speak tortoise and make her tortoise grow. Geoffrey Palmer's reading was great and he did a great job with the "tortoise language". If doing audio don't worry - I'm sure reading this story makes it easier to see what's going on with the tortoise language but they explain what's going on shortly after it's introduced. Lesson: It's OK to lie to people and mess with their stuff as long as you are trying to pick up a gullible lady.
The Enormous Crocodile read by Stephen Fry - Stephen Fry does a great job with the voices in this story about an enormous crocodile who wants nothing more than to eat children. I thought the story was fun albeit a little disturbing. Lesson: Don't go around boasting about bad things you plan to do and be surprised when they do something about it. Oh and elephants are strong.
The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me read by Hugh Laurie - This was an odd story about a very unique group of window washers. I only say odd because I didn't really know where this story was going aside from trying to be quirky; but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Hugh Laurie did some nice voices and even some singing on this one! Lesson: Be awesome at the things you like to do and helping people can lead to good things.
Fantastic Mr. Fox read by Chris O'Dowd - The headline story and my favorite of the bunch. Mr. Fox gets into trouble with 3 mean farmers and has to find some way to save his family! The reading by Chris O'Dowd has great voices and sound effects. I found one or two of the voices mildly irritating but I'm sure kids would love it. Lesson: It's ok to steal if you're stealing from mean people to help your family?
Esio Trot read by Geoffrey Palmer - Also an interesting story about a guy who teaches his female neighbor how to speak tortoise and make her tortoise grow. Geoffrey Palmer's reading was great and he did a great job with the "tortoise language". If doing audio don't worry - I'm sure reading this story makes it easier to see what's going on with the tortoise language but they explain what's going on shortly after it's introduced. Lesson: It's OK to lie to people and mess with their stuff as long as you are trying to pick up a gullible lady.
The Enormous Crocodile read by Stephen Fry - Stephen Fry does a great job with the voices in this story about an enormous crocodile who wants nothing more than to eat children. I thought the story was fun albeit a little disturbing. Lesson: Don't go around boasting about bad things you plan to do and be surprised when they do something about it. Oh and elephants are strong.
The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me read by Hugh Laurie - This was an odd story about a very unique group of window washers. I only say odd because I didn't really know where this story was going aside from trying to be quirky; but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Hugh Laurie did some nice voices and even some singing on this one! Lesson: Be awesome at the things you like to do and helping people can lead to good things.
July 12, 2020
...and thus ends my romance with Dahl (which never really got off the ground). Even the magnificent narrators could not enthuse me and I found nothing brilliant in any of the stories
March 13, 2017
omg, what even were those stories?? Drunk foxes, old men entrapping younger women, stupid children/dumber than dumb crocodiles and then...animal window washers and a pelican beak like no other??
May 4, 2020
How can you go wrong with a Roald Dahl audiobook?
February 16, 2017
This audio book has 4 of Roald Dahl's shorter books together.
I really liked Fantastic Mr. Fox, the first story in the collection. It showed how animals could outsmart bad people. A fun story with a happy ending for the animals. Wasn't there a movie made of this? I'll have to check...
Esio Trot was a strange story. Probably my least favorite of the group. The man seemed kind of stalkerish. He wanted to impress a woman to get her to love him by playing tricks on her by switching out her pet tortoise. I really didn't like how he returned all of the tortoises to the pet store once he got what he wanted. That totally sends the wrong message to children.
The Enormous Crocodile is included in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. It is a story centered around a very large, very hungry crocodile who wants to eat children. Other animals prevent him from doing so. I must say, this is one creative and determined croc!
The fourth story is The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. A group of animals join together to create a window cleaning company and hi-jinks ensue.
The narration is fantastic on this group of stories. Again, Esio Trot is the least successful, but I'm not sure if it was the reading or just the story itself that made it so. With big names like Chris O'Dowd, Geoffrey Palmer, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie, this is a really good one to listen to.
I noticed that this is listed as only 108 pages and I believe that is wrong. Mr. Fox was 90 pages by itself in the print edition I had. I am wondering if the creator of this file transposed their numbers and it was supposed to be 180 pages instead? That would be more likely.
ETA: I added up the page numbers for individual editions of the print stories and it came out to 234 pages. Perhaps this can be updated to be more accurate as far as page numbers?
I really liked Fantastic Mr. Fox, the first story in the collection. It showed how animals could outsmart bad people. A fun story with a happy ending for the animals. Wasn't there a movie made of this? I'll have to check...
Esio Trot was a strange story. Probably my least favorite of the group. The man seemed kind of stalkerish. He wanted to impress a woman to get her to love him by playing tricks on her by switching out her pet tortoise. I really didn't like how he returned all of the tortoises to the pet store once he got what he wanted. That totally sends the wrong message to children.
The Enormous Crocodile is included in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. It is a story centered around a very large, very hungry crocodile who wants to eat children. Other animals prevent him from doing so. I must say, this is one creative and determined croc!
The fourth story is The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. A group of animals join together to create a window cleaning company and hi-jinks ensue.
The narration is fantastic on this group of stories. Again, Esio Trot is the least successful, but I'm not sure if it was the reading or just the story itself that made it so. With big names like Chris O'Dowd, Geoffrey Palmer, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie, this is a really good one to listen to.
I noticed that this is listed as only 108 pages and I believe that is wrong. Mr. Fox was 90 pages by itself in the print edition I had. I am wondering if the creator of this file transposed their numbers and it was supposed to be 180 pages instead? That would be more likely.
ETA: I added up the page numbers for individual editions of the print stories and it came out to 234 pages. Perhaps this can be updated to be more accurate as far as page numbers?
July 25, 2016
TL;DR - Five stars for narration. Two stars because Esio Trot is perhaps the creepiest children's story of all time. So, averaging it at three.
Sometimes I just pick up audiobooks based entirely on narrators. So, a collection of Roald Dahl stories narrated by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Chris O'Dowd and Geoffrey Palmer? Yes. Yes, please that. Please sign me up for that thing. I didn't know this existed until I saw it in my library's Overdrive selection while I was looking for something else.
Overall, it was a good listen. The narration of all the stories was amazing, even Esio Trot, which I remember finding a bit creepy even when I was a kid, and now that I'm an adult realize why and to what level I should have been creeped out. Once the actual words 'your slave for life' were thrown in, I was just:
Because as soon as a woman says she'll 'do anything' to have a bigger tortoise (not a euphemism, but maybe a euphemism?), that means you can actually steal her beloved pet and replace it over and over until she marries you? Even though patience and a good owner will make the original one grow to the same size in the end.
Kids totally need to learn this lesson. BRB reading this to local children.
Also, Fantastic Mr. Fox had way more rampant animal alcoholism than I remembered, but overall the other 3 stories were good. Fry and Laurie are amazing, and Chris O'Dowd makes a good fantastic fox.
Sometimes I just pick up audiobooks based entirely on narrators. So, a collection of Roald Dahl stories narrated by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Chris O'Dowd and Geoffrey Palmer? Yes. Yes, please that. Please sign me up for that thing. I didn't know this existed until I saw it in my library's Overdrive selection while I was looking for something else.
Overall, it was a good listen. The narration of all the stories was amazing, even Esio Trot, which I remember finding a bit creepy even when I was a kid, and now that I'm an adult realize why and to what level I should have been creeped out. Once the actual words 'your slave for life' were thrown in, I was just:
Because as soon as a woman says she'll 'do anything' to have a bigger tortoise (not a euphemism, but maybe a euphemism?), that means you can actually steal her beloved pet and replace it over and over until she marries you? Even though patience and a good owner will make the original one grow to the same size in the end.
Kids totally need to learn this lesson. BRB reading this to local children.
Also, Fantastic Mr. Fox had way more rampant animal alcoholism than I remembered, but overall the other 3 stories were good. Fry and Laurie are amazing, and Chris O'Dowd makes a good fantastic fox.
August 9, 2019
DELIGHTFUL! Of the books on this audio production, I had only read Esio Trot, so they were all a pleasant surprise. The gem of this recording is Hugh Laurie reading (and singing!) The Giraffe, the Pelly, and Me. SO GOOD.
September 25, 2021
I'm not usually an audiobook person, and none of these stories rank among my favorites of Roald Dahl's work, but this is simply charming and perfectly narrated. My kids listened to it three times on a recent road trip and never got bored.
September 22, 2016
The story is very silly.
March 20, 2018
My favorite was The giraffe the pelly & me. 😊 Hugh Laurie did a awesome job.
June 19, 2019
This was fantastically written and fantastically narrated. I was highly entertained and would recommend this audiobook for everyone.
October 22, 2020
Quick, fun reads.
December 16, 2020
I love the Fantastic Mr. Fox story and the movie is a perfect adaptation I’d say. The other stories in here are also excellent.
April 17, 2021
This was a cute audiobook to listen to.
I especially liked Esio Trot and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. The last one was narrated by Hugh Laurie, who did an excellent job!
I especially liked Esio Trot and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. The last one was narrated by Hugh Laurie, who did an excellent job!
July 21, 2021
Read fantastic mr Fox as a kid but not the other stories, so cute!
August 3, 2023
Okay, the narration of this is absolutely 5 star. Especially Hugh Laurie's narration on The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. The man SINGS and sings well, as well as so many great accents and voices. I'd say it's worth listening to for him alone and if he wants to give up his acting career to just narrate audiobooks I'd listen to every single one of them. I also enjoyed Chris O'Dowd's narration of Fantastic Mr. Fox--I felt that his Mr. Fox voice was basically Douglas Reynholm's voice from The IT Crowd and it made me laugh.
I was not a fan of Esio Trot. It was a yikes for me.
The other 3 stories weren't my favorite of Dahl's, but weren't bad. There are funny parts and they are all excellently narrated, and I find Dahl's obsession with wildly imaginative candy to be charming. They're just maybe a little light on story/characterization compared to some of my other, more loved Dahl stories.
So, 3 stars for the stories themselves and 5 for the narration. Still worth listening to!
I was not a fan of Esio Trot. It was a yikes for me.
The other 3 stories weren't my favorite of Dahl's, but weren't bad. There are funny parts and they are all excellently narrated, and I find Dahl's obsession with wildly imaginative candy to be charming. They're just maybe a little light on story/characterization compared to some of my other, more loved Dahl stories.
So, 3 stars for the stories themselves and 5 for the narration. Still worth listening to!
December 24, 2023
This is my first time reading Fantastic Mr. Fox even though I’ve watched Wes Anderson’s rendition a dozen times (and love it more each time).
Reading it just gave me more appreciation for the story and for Anderson’s artful approach. Not only does Anderson stay true to the core of Dahl’s story to a very satisfying degree, but Anderson also develops imaginative depth and character in ways that flesh out the story even more while still remaining very true and honorable to Dahl.
In other words, as fun and creative as Dahl’s story is, this is one of those very rare conditions where the movie is not only better than book, but does honor to the book in so doing.
Reading it just gave me more appreciation for the story and for Anderson’s artful approach. Not only does Anderson stay true to the core of Dahl’s story to a very satisfying degree, but Anderson also develops imaginative depth and character in ways that flesh out the story even more while still remaining very true and honorable to Dahl.
In other words, as fun and creative as Dahl’s story is, this is one of those very rare conditions where the movie is not only better than book, but does honor to the book in so doing.
May 30, 2022
I chuckled a few times.
Was appalled at moments.
Smiled.
Thank you.
Was appalled at moments.
Smiled.
Thank you.
July 24, 2025
3.55
October 18, 2025
The giraffe and the pelly and me was my favorite, too cute
August 11, 2019
I... have mixed emotions. full review to come.
March 11, 2025
Fantastic Mr fox is the cleverest fox in the world, and he is impossible to get him.
His family is very fast at digging, Mrs fox is a very kind fox, and she has brown fur and sensitive eyes.
The four foxes are silly and naughty, and Mr fox friend Bager has black and white fur and is fast.
Weasel families are very tall and can climb very fast. Boggis is fat and eats 3 roasted raw chicken every breakfast, lunch and dinner, and he is so fat that he has 100 chickens in his tummy.
Bean is a tall man and drinks 2 bottles of juicy apple cider and is as tall as 2 mans and as skinny as a pen. Bounce has lots and lots of gooses and ducks in his storage. The 3 Meany's are greedy, fat, skinny and enormously rude. All of the animal families are safe and steal food from the 3 rude mans.
His family is very fast at digging, Mrs fox is a very kind fox, and she has brown fur and sensitive eyes.
The four foxes are silly and naughty, and Mr fox friend Bager has black and white fur and is fast.
Weasel families are very tall and can climb very fast. Boggis is fat and eats 3 roasted raw chicken every breakfast, lunch and dinner, and he is so fat that he has 100 chickens in his tummy.
Bean is a tall man and drinks 2 bottles of juicy apple cider and is as tall as 2 mans and as skinny as a pen. Bounce has lots and lots of gooses and ducks in his storage. The 3 Meany's are greedy, fat, skinny and enormously rude. All of the animal families are safe and steal food from the 3 rude mans.
January 22, 2019
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I have always been a fan of Roald Dahl. Sadly, up to this point I had never read Fantastic Mr. Fox or The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. This is a shame, because these were my two favorites in this collection. So glad I rectified that tragedy.
Anyway, this collection contains Fantastic Mr. Fox, Esio Trot, The Enormous Crocodile, and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. The first was amazing. It was so entertaining and Mr. Fox's character was so charming, you can't help but root for him throughout the story. I may be a little biased, because this story was read by Chris O'Dowd whose voice I absolutely love. I used to put on the show Puffin Rock before going to sleep because his voice is so soothing to me. Weird, but true.
Moving on, Esio Trot is rather odd. I've read it before, but I still cringed at the idea. It's meant to be funny and lighthearted, but if you give it anymore than two seconds thought, it's very creepy. Still well written, but just a little too creepy. Geoffrey Palmer does a great job reading this one.
The Enormous Crocodile is funny as well. Another one I have read before, but still enjoyed hearing again (especially since Stephen Fry read it for the audiobook). Entertaining book. Not a huge fan of the ending, but it is still good.
And then there is The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. I actually was not familiar with this one before getting this audiobook, but oh my goodness it was my absolute favorite. I loved it. It was the perfect amount strange, weird, funny, odd, and hilarious, which is what I love about Dahl's stories. Absolutely fantastic. Also loved Hugh Laurie's reading of it.
As with any Roald Dahl story, there are some things that may not be a good fit for certain readers. Drunk foxes, crocodiles trying to eat children, and the like. Just a note for those who may not be entertained by such sillliness.
Overall, this is a fantastic audiobook read by a star-studded cast of talented individuals. Entertaining and fun on the whole (even though Esio Trot is so weird). Great book. Only downside to the audiobook is that you miss out on the illustrations, but you get to listen to some amazing readings, so it's a bit of a tradeoff.
I have always been a fan of Roald Dahl. Sadly, up to this point I had never read Fantastic Mr. Fox or The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. This is a shame, because these were my two favorites in this collection. So glad I rectified that tragedy.
Anyway, this collection contains Fantastic Mr. Fox, Esio Trot, The Enormous Crocodile, and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. The first was amazing. It was so entertaining and Mr. Fox's character was so charming, you can't help but root for him throughout the story. I may be a little biased, because this story was read by Chris O'Dowd whose voice I absolutely love. I used to put on the show Puffin Rock before going to sleep because his voice is so soothing to me. Weird, but true.
Moving on, Esio Trot is rather odd. I've read it before, but I still cringed at the idea. It's meant to be funny and lighthearted, but if you give it anymore than two seconds thought, it's very creepy. Still well written, but just a little too creepy. Geoffrey Palmer does a great job reading this one.
The Enormous Crocodile is funny as well. Another one I have read before, but still enjoyed hearing again (especially since Stephen Fry read it for the audiobook). Entertaining book. Not a huge fan of the ending, but it is still good.
And then there is The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. I actually was not familiar with this one before getting this audiobook, but oh my goodness it was my absolute favorite. I loved it. It was the perfect amount strange, weird, funny, odd, and hilarious, which is what I love about Dahl's stories. Absolutely fantastic. Also loved Hugh Laurie's reading of it.
As with any Roald Dahl story, there are some things that may not be a good fit for certain readers. Drunk foxes, crocodiles trying to eat children, and the like. Just a note for those who may not be entertained by such sillliness.
Overall, this is a fantastic audiobook read by a star-studded cast of talented individuals. Entertaining and fun on the whole (even though Esio Trot is so weird). Great book. Only downside to the audiobook is that you miss out on the illustrations, but you get to listen to some amazing readings, so it's a bit of a tradeoff.
September 16, 2017
Finally found the record for this Audiobook!
Excellent readers, british pronunciation. LOVED it.
Comments on individual stories:
1. Mr. Fox is fun, somewhere between a fable and a fairy tale. I don't see the problems that other readers do in the way of normalizing and validating theft; the character is a FOX. He lives near a farm, and therefore eats chickens and turkeys and hams and whatever else he can get his paws on. Kids will "get" it. It is, however, dark--there's typical Dahl violence and meanness of spirit. Not for kids who are easily given nightmares.
2. Esio Trot is more problematic. The main character's methods are quite reprehensible, including premeditated theft, lying, and misrepresentation for the purpose of getting a neighbor to marry him. Some parents will object, but in my experience kids will be able to assess the morality of the behavior for themselves. There's also a bit of a sexist bias in the tale's presentation. I'm slightly willing to give a pass in light of the time period and also due to the fact that so many wildly popular modern movies (think Brave) present all men as incompetent as well.
3. The Enormous Crocodile is a grande tale. Plenty of suspense and threatened danger, all of which ALMOST results in the eating of a little child. Very fun; dark enough for kids, but not too dark because everything turns out fine in the end.
4. The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me is a lighthearted bit of fluff, for the most part. Reminds me of an organically rambling Garrison Keillor story, where it gently wanders off from its initial point and unexpectedly comes back full circle. Not very dark at all; eveything is resolved neatly, with a great call to re-read your favorite books at the very end.
Excellent readers, british pronunciation. LOVED it.
Comments on individual stories:
1. Mr. Fox is fun, somewhere between a fable and a fairy tale. I don't see the problems that other readers do in the way of normalizing and validating theft; the character is a FOX. He lives near a farm, and therefore eats chickens and turkeys and hams and whatever else he can get his paws on. Kids will "get" it. It is, however, dark--there's typical Dahl violence and meanness of spirit. Not for kids who are easily given nightmares.
2. Esio Trot is more problematic. The main character's methods are quite reprehensible, including premeditated theft, lying, and misrepresentation for the purpose of getting a neighbor to marry him. Some parents will object, but in my experience kids will be able to assess the morality of the behavior for themselves. There's also a bit of a sexist bias in the tale's presentation. I'm slightly willing to give a pass in light of the time period and also due to the fact that so many wildly popular modern movies (think Brave) present all men as incompetent as well.
3. The Enormous Crocodile is a grande tale. Plenty of suspense and threatened danger, all of which ALMOST results in the eating of a little child. Very fun; dark enough for kids, but not too dark because everything turns out fine in the end.
4. The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me is a lighthearted bit of fluff, for the most part. Reminds me of an organically rambling Garrison Keillor story, where it gently wanders off from its initial point and unexpectedly comes back full circle. Not very dark at all; eveything is resolved neatly, with a great call to re-read your favorite books at the very end.
February 19, 2020
4,5 stars
This audiobook includes four funny stories:
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Farmers, Fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean, against Mr. Fox. An extraordinary contest as told as nobody, but Roald Dahl can do. I usually don’t like music and sound effects in audiobooks, but these were s tastefully done and the volume was subtle and unobtrusive. I enjoyed the book immensely.
ESIO TROT
A shy man in love with a woman who loves her small tortoise. The clever plan to win her affections - 140 tortoises, and a brilliant idea. Mr. Hoppy and Ms. Silver are destined to be together.
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid brute who desires to eat little boys and girls. No children are harmed in the writing of this story, but it might be a little intense as a bedtime story.
THE GIRAFFE AND THE PELLY AND ME
Such a wacky story of The Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company. A Giraffe, a monkey, a pelican, and business manager Billy climb the “ladder” of success. Even the Chocolate Factory makes an appearance in this one. This short story reflects the creative ideas and vocabulary of Mr. Dahl.
This audiobook includes four funny stories:
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Esio Trot
- The Enormous Crocodile
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Farmers, Fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean, against Mr. Fox. An extraordinary contest as told as nobody, but Roald Dahl can do. I usually don’t like music and sound effects in audiobooks, but these were s tastefully done and the volume was subtle and unobtrusive. I enjoyed the book immensely.
ESIO TROT
A shy man in love with a woman who loves her small tortoise. The clever plan to win her affections - 140 tortoises, and a brilliant idea. Mr. Hoppy and Ms. Silver are destined to be together.
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid brute who desires to eat little boys and girls. No children are harmed in the writing of this story, but it might be a little intense as a bedtime story.
THE GIRAFFE AND THE PELLY AND ME
Such a wacky story of The Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company. A Giraffe, a monkey, a pelican, and business manager Billy climb the “ladder” of success. Even the Chocolate Factory makes an appearance in this one. This short story reflects the creative ideas and vocabulary of Mr. Dahl.
May 4, 2017
This book is about a couple of mean farmers trying to protect their farms. There is a Fox running around stealing from all the farmers so they decide to join together to defeat the fox and his antics. The Fox lives underground with his wife and his four little sons. He steals from the farmers every night in order to feed his family. Finally, Bunce, Boggis and Bean grew tired of being outwitted by The Fantastic Mr. Fox they decided to ban together so they could catch that thieving fox. At one point they had him surround they even shot off his tail but low and behold the Fox burrowed even deeper and managed to get away.
This story is well suited for grades 2 through 4th grade because there are lots of lessons in this story. This story would definitely spike the interest of children. It is humorous and serious at the same time. Ronald Dahl was considered one of the most beloved storytellers of all time.
This story is well suited for grades 2 through 4th grade because there are lots of lessons in this story. This story would definitely spike the interest of children. It is humorous and serious at the same time. Ronald Dahl was considered one of the most beloved storytellers of all time.
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