I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a magnificent illustrated adventure chapter book. The story keeps children at the edge of their seat, and the deeper concepts that underlay the book are profound and truthful. This is a book children will enjoy reading, and will benefit greatly from thinking it over.

‍

The story telling style is unique and beautiful. The author, George Macdonald, was a Scottish priest who lived in the 18th century. He wrote several books of fiction, for adults as well as children, as well as several books of essays and sermons. Many of them are worthwhile and you will find them reviewed as part of this project. He is best remembered however because of the important influence he had on C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkien and G. K. Chesterton (among others). These authors considered him their ‘literary father’.

‍

The language is old, but this only gives it character. The book is written simply and so, it can be easily understood today. I suggest it would be best to read this book aloud to children. This will help them get over any difficult passages, and also, you will enjoy this story together. This book is ideal for a range of ages. It can be read aloud to an able four year old, and a young teenager can enjoy it themselves.