If you're at all interested in Romanian culture (obscure as it may be, I do know a few people who are) you will LOVE Povestea Lui Harap-alb. It's a long, long fairy tale with plenty of magic, strange creatures, enchanted objects, plots and trickery and friendly hero banter. I read it when I was very little but I'd forgotten all about it, and now, reading it again for school, I laughed aloud reading it and was drawn in and dazzled by it all over again. Creanga's style is so witty, so...friendly, one might even call it, that you feel as if you are sitting with him by an open fire while as he tells you tales of adventure and bravery. I love this thing! (And the Red King's sorceress daughter is awesome.)