David Walliams’ delightfully British humor is in full force in this terrific comedy with heart. The Dahl influence is easily recognizable with characters who long to be posh, but cannot withhold their everyday silliness. Mr. Stink is given a good amount of characterization and avoids being the “Magic hobo” stereotype whose only existence is to heal others pain and disappear.

There are a lot of relationships being balanced so that at the end the resolutions between our protagonist, Chloe, her mother, her father, and her sister all feel a bit too tidy. The mother/daughter relationship is the real heart of the book and could get more attention than it does.

Ultimately this is a fun, heartfelt story that will be loved by any fans of Walliams, Dahl, or their counterparts.