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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Maybe it's about the silly lengths a silly man will go to for love, but I can't get past the entitlement in the action of stealing a woman's beloved pet in order to carry out a scam that will impress her, but could endanger lots of other tortoises along the way. I suppose I didn't like anything else about it enough to ignore the creepiness. And I know it's for children, but something tells me they'd see through this book, too.
Weirdo-bonkers little story, modeling an unhealthy wooing strategy. The best part was the author note at the end, explaining why tortoises are no long prevalent in English gardens. Hope, that despite evidence to the contrary, we grow as humans.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To date, this is the longest story my just turned 3 year old has managed in one sitting and he enjoyed it, especially the nonsense backwards spell (any repetitive use of the word poo is a highlight for him) and the tortoise grabber. Like me, he also loves Quentin Blake's illustrations.
It's also the first time I've read this one. Erm. Did that just happen? Did an old man lie to, con and deceive a vulnerable woman into marrying him? Kind of. I mean, the concept is entertaining, albeit a variation of the (excellently nasty) walking stick routine from [b:The Twits|85916|The Twits|Roald Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398252004s/85916.jpg|866909] but it just feels a little icky. I mean, she's obviously a little odd as well and I get he's shy but his plan is wickedly evil. Poor Alfie! Even Dahl seems to have realised this as he felt the need to include a brief (quite sweet) epilogue.
So, maybe not his best though it does have some nice points and language, albeit with a morally suspect central premise.
It's also the first time I've read this one. Erm. Did that just happen? Did an old man lie to, con and deceive a vulnerable woman into marrying him? Kind of. I mean, the concept is entertaining, albeit a variation of the (excellently nasty) walking stick routine from [b:The Twits|85916|The Twits|Roald Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398252004s/85916.jpg|866909] but it just feels a little icky. I mean, she's obviously a little odd as well and I get he's shy but his plan is wickedly evil. Poor Alfie! Even Dahl seems to have realised this as he felt the need to include a brief (quite sweet) epilogue.
So, maybe not his best though it does have some nice points and language, albeit with a morally suspect central premise.
Fantastic book for kids! So imaginative and creative. Easy read that children will find delightful!
Roald Dahl is always brilliant! His stories and rhymes are fun and entertaining! Some of my all time favorites!! Such a great way to entertain children and get them interested in reading!
Roald Dahl is always brilliant! His stories and rhymes are fun and entertaining! Some of my all time favorites!! Such a great way to entertain children and get them interested in reading!
This is a short, easy read. I read it to my daughter in less than an hour. There are numerous cute illustrations throughout the text, and it’s a fun story.
3.75 ⭐️ unsure if we should teach kids to lie to gain the love of another, but it is a whimsical story nonetheless
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced