Esio Trot

Preview: Mr. Hoppy, a shy old man, is secretly in love with his neighbor Mrs. Silver—but she only has eyes for her tiny tortoise, Alfie. To win her heart, Mr. Hoppy hatches a clever (and slightly magical) plan involving a mysterious tortoise-growing spell and a series of swapped reptiles. Will his "Esio Trot" incantation work, or will his scheme unravel?

Perfect for readers, who:
• Enjoy whimsical animal antics and gentle romantic mischief
• Like The Enormous Crocodile or Fantastic Mr. Fox for their playful Dahl-esque charm
• Want a short, funny chapter book with a heartwarming twist

Why You'll Love It:
✅ Roald Dahl's signature wit shines in this underdog love story
✅ Playful word reversals ("Esio Trot" = "Tortoise" backwards!) delight young readers
✅ Celebrates creative problem-solving and quiet kindness

Also consider the below aspects before you select:
❌ Very short length (under 80 pages) may leave some readers wanting more
❌ Deceptive tactics in the plot could prompt discussions about honesty

Verdict: A shell-ebration of cleverness perfect for budding romantics and tortoise enthusiasts!