Since I read the second volume before this one, I was happy to get some background on the characters. Sure, the second book is much more eventful (as this volume establishes the characters and setting), but I still like it a lot. This series can be enjoyable for any age especially for aspiring artists. In fact, there's a lengthy bit where Remi shows Musnet how to prepare a canvas for painting. The average person may not care but that might make a painter smile. c:

This book has a sweet orphan, a nice, platonic friendship, and a (grouchy) mentor and apprentice.