A ‘manga classic’: this graphic novel from the famous Japanese animator is a jewel. The book has a harmonious feel, even though it is full of alien creatures. Hayao Miyazaki has the talent of presenting dangerous adventures and violent plots in a gentle, almost peaceful way. For those who like graphic novels (and many children, especially boys seem to be fascinated by them), this book is a work of art; interesting to read; full of ‘exciting violence’ - but without any of the explicit intensity and gore that make most graphic novels aggressive.

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Reading this book you can feel that it is not European - in a good way. It is an opportunity for English speakers to emerge themselves in the imagination of a different civilisation to our own. The plot is inspired by a Tibetan folk-tale and it carries the seriousness of folktales - refined by generations of storytellers. Adults will want to read it through also.