I have to say that this book did not have an auspicious beginning. The beginning was, in fact, boring. But I pressed on, certain that the good part was coming. And it did. This is a charming book that introduces the concept of time travel to children, without mentioning time travel at all. The ending is blazingly obvious as an adult, but children might not find it so. The book touches lightly on serious subjects, making them accessible and thought-provoking without making it clear exactly what it's doing. A definite start for any future fantasy-readers.