The Minpins has the earmarks of many other Roald Dahl books: the fantastic names (the Minpins, the Vermicious Knid), the independent young hero (his name is Little Billy), and relationships between characters that are full of love and humor. But unlike most Roald Dahl books, The Minpins is not illustrated by Quentin Blake, but by Patrick Benson, whose dreamlike flora and fauna create a world more like to Narnia than Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Little Billy, on a quest to make the Forest of Sin safe for the diminutive Minpins, sets out to destroy the Terrible Bloodsuckling Toothpluckling Stonechuckling Spittler. But beyond Little Billy’s epic battle, there are depictions of midnight feasts, a mysterious, eerie world beyond the clouds, and the bittersweet consequences of leaving childhood behind.

From the Minpins comes one of Roald Dahls most frequently quoted and lovely lines: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Recommended for readers seven and up.