Beautifully written fairy tale with little nuggets of wisdom peppered throughout. There are no words to describe the fascination of this book. It is all the best parts of Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Chronicles of Narnia, and classic fairy tales.

I enjoyed it even more reading it the second time, b/c I think I had a better understanding of the scope and breadth of the story. Instead of thinking of each separate chapter, I could see the larger perspective of the book and how all those little separate adventures fit into the whole. I was also able to zoom in on small details that become important later in the story, that are sometimes missed during a first reading. I cannot get enough of this book!

I love the alternating bravery, strength, and vulnerability of all the characters, not just September. Each character is written so uniquely and with a truth to their own selves, their own abilities and their particular comfort zone. I love seeing them all meet and interact, learning about one another.

There are many themes, but one of the biggest is about growing a heart and losing your heart to the things you love. At the beginning of September's time in Fairyland, she sees a signpost that says "This way to lose your heart. She follows that road, and by the end of the story her heart has grown and shrunk and been found and then lost again. The beautiful pathos of this story is touching and sweet.

I love the charming style of writing with the author's little aside comments to the reader. There are so many quotable snippets of wisdom in this book that really ring true, but don't feel preachy at all.

This is definitely not just a fairy tale for children. Any adult of any age or any child would enjoy this book, because you get more from it the more you read it. An adult with more wisdom and life-experience would understand more of the deeper meanings, while a child would just enjoy the plot and the fun adventures!