Karyl Carlson

This is a simple quest narrative, reminiscent of but not as complex as a Thompson Oz book, and kids who are just starting to read chapter books will likely enjoy the story. However, older children will probably find the writing style a little cutesy. Younger parents may or may not appreciate some of the messages (among them, that boys should keep their hair worn short) that were on the conservative side when the book was published in the 1990s and have only become more so.