A very short story by the master of quirky humor for children, this tale is a love story about a man, a woman, and a tortoise. Poor Mr. Hoppy is in love with his downstairs neighbor, but she only has eyes for her pet turtle. To win her heart, he promises that he can help her turtle grow bigger much faster than usual. The way he delivers on that promise is what makes this a Dahl story, as Mr. Hoppy goes to lengths and takes measures that are extraordinary and ridiculous. A sweet read, that isn't as darkly funny as some of his other novels, but just as silly and fun. ( )

An LT friend sent me four of the shorter Dahl children’s stories on disc so I grabbed one of them to listen to as I drove my long drive into the doctor’s office. It was early in the morning and this charming story, beautifully read by the British actor Geoffrey Palmer, kept me alert and awake for the trip. Mr. Hoppy is in love with Mrs. Silver but hasn’t the courage to tell her. She is concerned about her pet tortoise, Alfie, because he isn’t growing. The story of how Mr. Hoppy solves Mrs. Silver’s problem and so gains the courage to tell her how he feels had me in stitches. Dahl’s quirky story is, as always, delightful with wonderful details and great word play. I enjoyed it so much, when I got home I looked for the used copy I had recently bought from the library and reread it with the wonderful illustrations by Quentin Blake. Recommended for the young and the young at heart. ( )

A good story about a man who loves a women but doesn't have the courage to ask for her hand in marriage. He finally has the courage to ask her-but not before a complicated plot involving the women's tortoise, which is the object of her affection. ( )

Having recently listened to Geoffrey Palmer reading this story, I can't help but love it. Delightfully and heart-warmingly absurd. How seriously should a story like this be taken? How seriously should any Roald Dahl story be taken? Mr Hoppy is eminently harmless despite his deception, and everything works out for the best, even for dear little Alfie. The humor is much more understated than what I generally associate with Dahl and in many ways "Esio Trot" brings to mind the stories of P. G. Wodehouse. Recommended for everyone. ( )

This is a fun book written about Roald Dahl. The main character in the book is in love with the lady that lives below him. The lady that lives below has a turtle that she worries is about. So the man decides to do something about it, which he ends up with a few turtles in this apartment in order to help the woman out. ( )