The Peculiar Triumph of Professor Branestawm

I loved this book as a child, and bought it for my son aged 9 (who is a fairly advanced reader). As we read it together, we were both in stitches, laughing so much that tears ran down both our faces! The word play and absurdity is so funny but it is also cleverly written and illustrates what you can do with your imagination. The nice part is that although Professor Branestawm's inventions always go wrong, he is forgetful and makes loads of mistakes, everything turns out well in the end and he is forgiven. The book even inspired my little inventor to start some inventions of his own spontaneously. Would probably appeal to 10-12 year olds the most.