"A wild and evocative fantasy, stylishly told, with a tremendous romantic appeal" Observer "Altogether an invigorating book, in whihc the wit and nonsense make such a sparkling fizz together that it is hard to tell one from the other" Times Literary Supplement "One genuine small masterpiece. Almost a copy-book lesson in those virtues that a classic children's book must possess" Time Magazine "Joan Aiken is a marvel" -- Philip Pullman Guardian