We review Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox and choose our own winner from the Roald Dahl Funny Prize shortlist. 

The Quick Review

Wes Anderson brings his familiar mix of artsiness and angst to his original take on Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox. Terrific, but not really recommended for young children. Go, enjoy, and if you must take the kids, be prepared to sign up for family therapy.

The Roald Dahl Funny Prize (books for age 6 and under) was won this year by Mr Pusskins Best in Show by Sam Lloyd. The further adventures of the irascible Mr Pusskins feels rather like Martin Scorsese winning Best Director for The Departed. It’s about time… but really?

Instead Apple Juice Radio gives its own (trophy-free) Funny Prize to one of the other shortlisted books: The Great Dog Bottom Swap by Peter Bently & Mei Matsuoka. A truly hilarious explanation for why dogs sniff each other’s bums when they meet, this imaginative story has more than enough bottom humour to have the whole family snickering. Listen to the show to hear our verdict on the entire RDFP shortlist.

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