As well as constant, complex wordplay, Thurber uses other literary devices such as frequent internal meter or rhythmic prose, near-poetry, puns, literary allusions (e.g. to wandering minstrels) and thus creates a humorous satire involving loss, love and freedom.

The London Review of Books called it a "linguistic romp with an important lesson at its heart" and "a tale of loss, liberty and language laced with typical Thurberian wit".

School Librarian wrote that "The period coloured illustrations add to the charm to make a very inviting book".

For the Puffin Books edition (1962), The Wonderful O was joined with The 13 Clocks, and both stories were illustrated by Ronald Searle.

Melissa Manchester was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children.