Haha, I remember LOVING the pig butchering. They blow up the bladder and play with it! SUCH FUN! :) I still love Mr. Popper's Penguins, but I can see it not working for a three year old.

If Alex is enjoying Roald Dahl, I would suggest trying The BFG next. It's less creepy than most of his work, IIRC... well, maybe not less creepy, but the kid is always pretty safe and cared for (as opposed to in, say, The Witches).

This post is bringing back a whole flood of happy childhood memories... thanks!