I adored the movie Inkheart. It was funny and quirky, with lavish sets and costumes, even if it was a little weird that the main characters are named Mo and Meggie. Maybe it's not so weird in German.

In any case, the movie is right up there with Ladyhawke, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride when it comes to glorious cult classics that don't take themselves too seriously. Inkheart was also set in beautiful Northern Italy, and made me awfully homesick. So of course I couldn't resist the book. And I think the book is as good as the movie.

This is a book that revolves around books, so people without a borderline idolatrous relationship with books might be annoyed by it. Cornelia Funke has a delightful way with quotations, and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter really add, especially if you've read most of the books from which they come. I think I just might take up bookbinding too.

This is a worthy addition to the children's fantasy genre, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels.