This is another book that if rated based on my memory, I'd have been way off the mark. I'm certain it was a much different read at age 10 (or whenever the height of my unicorn-loving phase was) than now, as an adult with a stronger sense of how deep both longing and loss can be. All those themes of life and death and the beauty of the ephemeral certainly would have gone over my head. 
 Beagle's writing is heartbreakingly beautiful and his sentiments so wise. On top of all that, this book has such a kind humor about it. I'm adding this to the list of things to read aloud with our kiddo when he gets older, though I will have to try not to sob during parts of it. 
 Definitely a favorite.