Books Like The Fox and the Hound

Novels are great for getting a unique perspective on life from the point of view of diverse and interesting characters. However, some authors take their stories a step further by using animal protagonists. Doing saw draws readers into a world that is familiar yet seen from an entirely new viewpoint. One of the genre’s most beloved classics is The Fox and The Hound by Daniel P. Mannix. The author did extensive research and spent a lot of time observing foxes to write his story about a red fox being tracked by a hunter and his half-bloodhound dog. For more novels written from the perspective of non-human protagonists, check out the following books like The Fox and The Hound.

The Killers

by Daniel P. Mannix

The Killers by Daniel P. Mannix sees the author shift his focus from a fox and a hound to a fighting cock and a wild hawk. The setting is a traditional farm the two natural enemies square off. The fighting cock, Whitehackle, finds his way to the farm after unexpectedly being turned loose after his first cockfight. Here Whitehackle becomes the pride of the farm and lord of the barnyard. However, Ishmael, the hawk, is determined to make a meal out of the barnyard beasts that Whitehackle has sworn to protect, and so the two become mortal enemies.

Silverwing

by Kenneth Oppel

Silverwing is the first book in the trilogy of the same name by Kenneth Oppel. The story is told from the viewpoint of Shade, a young Silverwing bat. Shade is the runt of his colony, but his determination to prove himself sees the bat losing the others in a snowstorm during a long, dangerous winter migration. As Shade embarks on a journey to find his family, he encounters a remarkable cast of other characters, some of which are friends and some that turn out to be enemies. 

Wild Dog City

by Lydia West

Wild Dog City by Lydia West features a science-fiction setting viewed from the perspective of a young painted dog named Mhumhi. They live in a city overrun by every type of wild dog and where mysterious machines are the source of their daily meat. An elite pack of painted dogs protects the other dogs from the dog-eating hulkers that threaten them, but Mhumhi is not part of this pack. Instead, he grew up half in hiding with a bush dog, a dhole, and a Simien wolf after being stolen by a domestic dog as an infant. When their adoptive mother vanishes, Mhumhi tries to find her. However, he discovers that the latest addition she brought to their motley family was a pair of small hulkers whose lives are now in danger from the painted dogs.

Three Bags Full

by Leonie Swann

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann is an interesting twist on the murder mystery genre as it is sheep that do the detective work. The murder in question is that of George, the shepherd, who is found by his flock on a hillside near the cozy Irish village of Glennkill. Because George read books to his sheep every night, they were much more intelligent than the average sheep. So, when they find George’s body pinned to the ground with a spade, they set out to find his killer. As they embark on reconnaissance missions into the village, the sheep discover a couple of likely suspects, including the terrifying butcher, sinister priest, and another shady shepherd. 

The Winter of the Fisher

by Cameron Langford

The Winter of the Fisher is a nature classic by Cameron Langford that chronicles one year in the life of a fisher, which is a small mammal native to the forests of North America. It follows the fisher from the spring of his infancy to the following spring when his first mating occurs. During this time, the fisher has to struggle for survival as he establishes his territory and protects it from other predators. The fisher also has to deal with the harsh winter months and the most dangerous predator of all - man. In addition, the novel features vignettes of the other animals sharing the wilds with the fisher.

The Hunt for Elsewhere

by Beatrice Vine

The Hunt for Elsewhere by Beatrice Vine is the story of an unlikely duo who are thrown together by fate. Saxton is a fox abandoned by his family and raised by a wise, old crow. Dante is a battle-worn one-eyed wolf who has left his pack. Together Saxton and Dante travel across the North American content in search of redemption, family, and a place to call home. However, during their journey, they have to fight hunger, avoid humans, and confront their inner demons. 

The White Bone

by Barbara Gowdy

The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy is the story of Mud and her family of African elephants who go on a quest through Africa’s vast and perilous plains in search of a safe place. While the elephants roamed the high grasses, swamps, and deserts of the sub-Sahra for years, it is no longer safe for them. In addition to the earth being scorched by drought, there is also the danger of ivory hunters. The only hope for the elephants lies in the prophecy of a sacred white bone of legend that will point them toward the Safe Place.