2023: just finished reading this out loud to both kids. It’s more dense and complex than most of the other fantasy novels we read together. The 10 year old followed along with no issues, and is also an avid reader of fantasy, but the eight year old struggled some. When they used language that is specific to being a trader or merchant I often found myself changing it to help ensure that my daughter understood what was happening. That said they both really enjoyed it and Eleanor reports that her favorite character is Briar because she loves plants just like him.

2019: I was a bit “too old” for these books when they came out in the 90s. When discussing the books of our youth with a friend she mentioned this series (and others by this author) as definitive in her love of fantasy and female inspiration, so obviously I had to give them a try. I think Max would love these read aloud and I’ll keep reading. Its a quick read.