Wow what a book. Off the top of my head you have a story about a wily hitchhiker who has magical hands and counts himself as a 'Fingersmith' that is fun and fast paced with just a hint of creepiness. The boy who talked with animals is a compassionate and compelling sotry about a little boy and his affinity with animals and his eventual escape from human society on the back of a giant sea turtle.

Also the Story of Henry Sugar himself which is amazing. A fat, greedy, spoilt, dishonest man with no real friends, just rich acquaintances stumbles upon a small book that details the life of a Yogi. Through this book he learns of the abilities one can achieve and decides to try and learn them himself and finds himself becoming a very different man from the one he is at the start of the book.

The Swan is heartbreaking and magical. It is about a small boy whose love for birds brings him at odds with two vicious bullies who see nothing but fun and games in torturing a kid who just cant keep his mouth shut, even when it is for his own good. The kid has pluck and we root for him but the conclusion is both sad and wonderful at the same time. ( )

Wonderful story about training yourself and a great example of determination. “James and Giant Peach” was not enough and my son wanted more Dahl. I had never read any others by him so I picked this one at random. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” tells the story of a rich selfish young man and his arrogant quest for all the money in the world. His quest, however changes him in ways that he could never imagine. This is a short book and very interesting in ways that made one think a person could do anything if they try hard enough. ( )