The Ogre of Oglefort - Couverture rigide

For excitement-hungry orphan Ivo, a mission to save Princess Mirella from the dreaded Ogre of Oglefort is a dream come true. Together with a hag, a wizard, and a troll, Ivo sets out, ready for adventure. But when they get to the ogre's castle, the rescuers are in for a surprise: the princess doesn't need saving, but the depressed ogre does! It's a warmhearted, hilarious romp in the tradition of Roald Dahl, with enough creepy magic, ghosts, and laughs to make even the saddest ogre smile.

Eva Ibbotson, the author of many delightful light fantasies, knew that ghosts, wizards and witches are people like ourselves, "only madder and more interesting." She lived in northern England and passed away in 2010.