In the isolated mountain kingdom of Tatrajan, cut off from the rest of the world by a seemingly impenetrable mist, the people lived in peace and harmony, wanting for nothing. With their glittering white hair and cool greenish blue eyes, all the Tatrajanni were similar in appearance - all, that is, except Tatsinda, whose deep golden hair and brown eyes bespoke her "foreign" birth. Deeply in love with handsome, bold Prince Tackatan, Tatsinda worried that the kingdom's most popular prince would never look at such an unusual girl... But then the terrible giant Johrgong invaded the kingdom, and carried Tatsinda off...

Originally published in 1963, and illustrated by Irene Haas, Tatsinda was reissued in this edition in 1991, with new illustrations by Katie Thamer Treherne. A wonderful, involving fantasy for the chapter-book set, Enright's story of a magical kingdom, a beautiful heroine, and an evil giant, will appeal to any young reader with a sense of enchantment. The author's world-building is admirable, and I imagine that, had I read this as a girl, I would have longed to ride a timtik, or drink the milk of a tiptod. ( )

Re-reading the book as an adult, sadly, I found Tatsinda to be a bit thin, but as a seven-year-old, the awe I felt at the magical land beyond the ice at the world's end was deep and lasting. I rediscovered it only a few years ago, after longing for it for most of my life, and just seeing the cover still causes me to gasp with joy. ( )