"The expressive cartoon ink-and-wash illustrations are characteristically endearing and work well with the text, which is a combination of deadpan humor and sheer ruthlessness. . . . The stories are engaging, told in the wry voice of traditional folktales." --"School Library Journal"

John Yeoman wrote his first children's book after leaving Cambridge University, where he read English. This began a collaboration with Quentin Blake which has continued for over forty years. John taught for twenty-eight years, before retiring to spend more time writing, reading and relaxing in France. Quentin Blake is one of today's most popular and best-loved children's illustrators. His books are loved by children all over the world. His titles include Mr Magnolia, Mrs Armitage and, of course, the many stories of Roald Dahl.