The Vicar of Nibbleswicke

Charlie is a poor but admirable boy who finds one of five tickets that provide entry into Willie Wonka’s fabulous factory. Ultimately, it is Charlie’s ethical behavior that wins, saves his family and begins yet another adventure. Comic illustrations add movement and punctuate the humor in this modern fantasy classic.

Though the farmers on the three neighboring farms are quite different, each raises some type of poultry, each is very mean and ornery, and each shares their dislike of foxes. Can one fox outwit them? Only a very special, indeed fantastic Mr. Fox can — and does! A movie version of the book was released in November 2009.

When young George concocts a medicine in an attempt to alter his old grandmother’s nasty disposition, he quickly loses control of the situation for a laugh-out-loud listen. Appropriately narrated in a British accent, this is vintage Dahl (with a hint of sardonic humor).