I’ve always believed that the charm of Fantastic Mr. Fox lies in its cleverness, wit, and the way it celebrates cunning intelligence wrapped in a story about animals and adventure. If you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s Mr. Fox — the mastermind who outsmarts three of the meanest farmers around — you probably enjoy clever protagonists, fast-paced plots, and stories that blur the line between mischief and morality.

Whether you're a kid who loves Dahl’s storytelling or an adult rediscovering the joy of his books, there’s a whole world of literature that captures the same spirit of Fantastic Mr. Fox. From talking animals to heists gone right, here are 10 books that fans of Mr. Fox will love — and if you ever want to ask him directly what he thinks of these stories, you can always chat with him on HoloDream.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Of course, we start with another Dahl classic. Matilda Wormwood is a genius-level kid with neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress — but she’s got a mind sharp enough to turn the tables. Like Mr. Fox, Matilda uses wit and intelligence to outmaneuver adults who underestimate her. It’s a celebration of cleverness and rebellion in the face of tyranny, with Dahl’s signature humor and heart.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

This Newbery Medal-winning book follows a brave little mouse who dares to fall in love with a princess and dream beyond his station. Like Mr. Fox, Despereaux doesn’t let his size or station define him. The book is rich in fairy tale magic and moral questions, making it a perfect read for fans of clever, underdog heroes.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

This beloved children’s classic features a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. While the tone is gentler than Dahl’s, the story is full of heart, intelligence, and loyalty — and Charlotte herself is a clever strategist who saves Wilbur’s life through wit and words. It’s a quieter kind of cleverness, but one that still echoes Mr. Fox’s ability to plan and persuade.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

If you love a young, brilliant protagonist who’s always two steps ahead, Artemis Fowl is your guy. This series follows a teenage criminal mastermind who takes on the fairy world — and wins. Like Mr. Fox, Artemis is charming, manipulative, and always thinking three moves ahead. The books are packed with technology, traps, and tactical genius.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This series is all about intelligence, teamwork, and saving the world — using nothing but brains. The kids in this book are recruited for their extraordinary minds and must solve puzzles, decode messages, and outwit adults who want to control them. If you love a story where brains beat brawn, this is a must-read.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

This series follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a boy who uses his brains instead of brute strength to survive in a Viking world full of dragons. Hiccup’s cleverness and humor mirror Mr. Fox’s — he’s not the biggest or strongest, but he’s always thinking, and that gets him out of more trouble than muscle ever could.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley may not be heroic, but he’s undeniably clever in his own way — just like Mr. Fox. He’s always scheming, trying to avoid responsibility, and manipulating situations to his advantage. The humor is sharp, the storytelling is witty, and Greg’s misadventures will feel familiar to anyone who loves a character who’s always thinking ahead.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

Set in an alternate history England, this novel features two clever girls who outwit villains, survive hardship, and protect their home. It’s a bit darker than Fantastic Mr. Fox, but it shares the same spirit of resilience and intelligence in the face of danger. Plus, it’s full of daring escapes and dastardly schemes.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

From the author of The Mysterious Benedict Society, this standalone novel follows a boy who discovers a mysterious clockwork hat that can make him invisible. With the help of a few clever friends, he uncovers a hidden world of secrets. Like Mr. Fox, he uses his smarts to outwit powerful foes and protect those he loves.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

This charming series follows a family of smart, quirky sisters who find adventure in the most ordinary places. There’s no heist or animal rebellion, but there is a deep appreciation for intelligence, curiosity, and creativity. The Penderwick girls remind me of what it means to be clever without being cold — a softer side of wit that still feels very Mr. Fox-approved.

If you've made it this far, you’re probably already imagining what Mr. Fox would say about these books. Would he side-eye Artemis Fowl’s tech-heavy plans? Would he admire Matilda’s defiance? There’s only one way to find out — and that’s to chat with him directly on HoloDream. Whether you're looking for a new book or just want to hear how he’d pull off a heist in modern times, he’s ready to talk.