I have never written a review on this site before (although I refer to them all the time when picking books to read)...but I just finished reading this book to my 10 year old and it was FANTASTIC!!! This is so beautifully written, with such fabulous choice of language and description that I am sure it will go down in history as true "children's literature". I would love to read it again, to myself, and really have the opportunity to absorb the writing style and ideas that Geraldine Mccaughrean brings forth....but first I have to go look up what else she has written...!!!