I tried to read this with a child's head when I was struggling with an adult's head. Whilst I did think some of these tales were a bit grisly they were fab for children. So why the 3 stars? Well something just became tedious after a while. A younger reader might struggle with the length of some sections. I say sections because they don't feel like chapters. The main character takes us on another adventure until the point of a story and then we're told a story, so do you stop at the story and forget about how we got to that point or do you stop at the end of the story?

I don't feel the reader ever really got to know Daniel as such, although maybe that's the point. However the Dickensian feel to the places was fabulous and a great introduction to young readers to tales of this nature. Whilst I personally don't enjoy reading Neil Gaiman I can see how this would introduce children to his work and I fully agree with the reference to Roald Dahl, although I feel this is a bit more grown up than his children's books so maybe a step up in this case.

Although I wouldn't read the book again I bet it is fantastic with illustrations; adding a further dimension to the overall experience. I'm pleased I'd read it and I think it deserves 3.5 stars. As for the intended audience, I'd say if they were a sophisticated reader then top of primary school would be the youngest. ( )