House above the Trees

This is the most beautiful story I have yet read to my children. It was hard for me to put down--not usually the case--so I read much later into the night than is typical. It tells of an 8 year old embarking on a magical journey through the forest interacting with the people and creatures she finds there. The messages of strength and listening to one's own voice despite strong opposition are beautifully couched in the gripping and unique story. I'm certain that with further readings I will uncover much more depth. We will read this one again and again and will give it as birthday gifts for the next few years. This is an especially amazing book for families living without the influences of television/videos. I cannot recommend it highly enough. We loved her other book, The Wind Boy, but this one is even better.

Just finished reading this with my kids (6 & 4), and we all loved it. I suppose that in today's atmosphere of video games & Pixar, it might indeed be too antiquated for a lot of kids. It's a pretty straightforward fairy story. But if your kids can get into that, it's one of the best fairy stories I've come across. Great characters, compelling twists, and a really interesting worldview overall. As I said, we just finished it last night. Tonight (at my daughter's request) we're starting over at the beginning.

This was far and away my most favorite book when I was a child. It is so beautiful. Maybe a little too old-fashioned for today's modern child, but if your child is into fairies, nature, etc. they will love it. The illustrations are gorgeous!