In one word: Brilliant!! Ok, Ian McEwan is no Roald Dahl, but I'm sure kids will love these stories just as much like they love Matilda. I especially loved the meaning behind the different stories which is, according to me, "never judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes". Ian McEwan is a genius in my eyes and I love his work. This book, of course, is a bit different from his usual work because it's really about fantasy and imagination, but that doesn't mean it's not as good. Sure, it's no "Atonement", but it is as amazing. Kids will love it because of the daydreams and the fantasy and adults will love it because of all the symbols and metaphors for life and living that life. I recommend every teacher of English to put this book on the reading list. It is a gem!