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The Vicar of Nibbleswicke ISBN: 9780140348910
Blake, Quentin and Dahl, Roald
Published by Puffin, 1992
Robert Lee suffered from dyslexia as a boy, but with help from teachers (and the Dyslexia Institute) he grew up 'more or less normal', and in due time became the Reverend Mr Lee, Vicar of Nibbleswicke. Becoming a Vicar was very stressful for young Robert, so he developed a peculiar trait: back-to-front dyslexia. He reversed words without realising it. Thus, 'God' became 'dog', 'parson' became 'ropsap' and 'sip' became... with obvious and hilarious results. When the good Vicar became aware of his unfortunate affliction, he saw the local doctor, who analysed the problem and put him right: he must walk backwards while speaking, thus reversing the words back to their normal order. To help himself in this awkward manoeuvre, he attached a rear-view mirror to his forehead. The congregation soon got used to their eccentric Vicar and all was well. Very funny, and the character of Mr Lee is so loveable and charming that dyslexic children should happily identify with him. Sales of the book benefit the Dyslexia Institute.
Age: 6+