A bear's tales help a king and a boy appreciate their world.

A gift to my OBCZ. ?áPretty. ?áValid message. ?áShaped like a picture book, but lots of text and fairly sophisticated ideas. ?áI can't guess whether you'd like it, but I found it to be flavored like an?á'instant classic' and just as instantly forgettable. ( )

Even a decade after I first read this book it hasn't lost its power to floor me. Both the narrative and illustrations are spellbinding, and the poetry in the language of first page alone knocks the breath out of me every time I read it. Calling Through the Mickle Woods a "children's book" is criminal; it's simply one of the best things I've ever read. It is well, well, well worth seeking out a copy to own.