Esio Trot

What do our readers think of Esio Trot? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the funny magic spell, the tortoises and the story’s cheerful, feel-good ending. Some children find Mr Hoppy’s trick unfair because it involves lying and replacing a much-loved pet.

What does the Pageticker team say about Esio Trot?

We love Roald Dahl's gentle, funny tale for its ingenious plan, playful language and of course Quentin Blake’s lively illustrations. It is a short, accessible read for children who like animal stories, secret schemes and warm-hearted humour.

Genres

What is Esio Trot about?

Mr Hoppy, a shy bachelor, secretly adores his neighbour, Mrs Silver, who is devoted to her pet tortoise, Alfie. Desperate to win her affection, Mr Hoppy devises a clever plan involving a magical 'spell' to make Alfie grow. As Alfie appears to get bigger, Mrs Silver's joy grows, leading to unexpected and heartwarming results.

About the author

Roald Dahl was a brilliant British author who wrote many fantastic stories for children. He is best known for books like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Matilda', and 'The BFG'. His stories are full of imagination, unusual characters, and exciting adventures that have delighted readers all around the world.

Discussion ideas around Esio Trot

A clever plan: Mr Hoppy creates a very unusual plan to impress Mrs Silver. What makes his idea clever, and what makes it questionable?

Shyness and courage: How does Mr Hoppy’s shyness affect his choices, and what might the story teach us about finding the courage to speak honestly?

Love and kindness: Mr Hoppy wants to make Mrs Silver happy. How can we tell when an attempt to help someone is truly kind?

Looking after pets: Why is Alfie important to Mrs Silver, and what responsibilities do people have towards animals in their care?

Magic words: What do you think makes the tortoise spell so memorable, and why does Dahl use funny, backwards-sounding language?