Little Billy doesn't listen to his mother when she tells him all the reasons not to venture into the Forest of Sin. Instead he sets off into the trees and finds himself in danger of being eaten. But with the help of some new friends, Billy finds a way to outwit the monsters that live there and find a way home.

This short novella begins with more of a religious slant than expected (apparently it's the Devil whispering into Billy's ear telling him to ignore his mother) but soon evolves into Dahl's familiar ridiculous and exaggerated style with birds and secret worlds. I enjoyed the ending suggesting that everyone should watch the world carefully because "the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places" and that "those who don't believe in MAGIC will never find it." 3.5 stars, rounded to 4 stars for target audience. 3 stars for me. ( )

I actually really liked this story. You can tell it's a Dahl story by the way it was written, but it a different kind of plot for him. Reminded me of the Borrowers and Adventures of Nils with a bit of a Jabberwocky feel. ( )

Another Children’s Book to cross off my - Never Read List. It would be fun to read aloud with a young group. ( )

First time reading this story. It was good. My daughter enjoyed it. The earlier Dahl books will always be my favourites. This book keeps up the Dahl tradition of madcap characters. The ‘feel of it’ as it were is not the same as the Dahl books of my youth. But it’s probably time that’s giving me that impression. ( )

❧ audiobook review

I hadn’t come across this one as a kid, which is odd because Matilda and The Witches and The Twits are some of my most memorable childhood books/films, but this one is super cute. ( )