Once upon a...time there was a marvellous land of Snergs. Miss Watkyns, a teacher who loved children, lived there. Just over the river lived Golithos, a not so friendly giant, who also loved children—with a lot of salt! He had a friend called Mother Meldrum, the wickedest witch that ever lived. When Sylvia and Joe run away for a big adventure their lives are in deadly peril when they fall into the clutches of these two evil characters. Thankfully, Gorbo the Snerg and Baldry the court jester are on hand to help—but sometimes hinder—their escape. This is a classic fairy tale written in traditional style but with great gusto, whimsy and a surprising freshness. It will enchant all children up to the age of 90.

J. R. R. Tolkien said of the Snergs, which later proved inspirational in Lord of the Rings, "I should like to record my own and my children's love of...the Snergs...and of Gorbo, the gem of dunderheads, jewel of a companion in an escapade".