This is a rare kind of book. Or, at least, in my opinion it is.
This is a book that is written with the voice of absolute simplicity yet is incredibly beautiful at the same time.
Third person perspective tends to be a rare thing nowadays, and normally I prefer first person perspective. Eva Ibbotson tells this story in third person perspective but also in a way that makes you feel intimate with the characters.
This book constantly reminded me of Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell - if you liked that story, you're sure to like this one.
A perfectly family friendly read, I would recommend this to every child - and everyone else, too.