Wagstaffe the Wind-Up Boy

A smelly, malicious snotgobbler, deserted in disgust by his repellent parents, is squashed by a truck on the M62, then resurrected with clockwork viscera by a maverick surgeon who allows the nurses to take the mangled umbles home for stew. Bereft of the heart he was born with, Wagstaffe discovers finer feelings when he hears of the plight his mum and dad are in. This book is as repulsive as it sounds, and the most entertaining read I've had in weeks. The nasty bits might appeal to otherwise reluctant readers, but don't let their parents catch you recommending it.