The whole book is a beautiful package - a strong, likeable heroine, an adventurous quest, light fantasy, lovely illustrations, and a story that's entirely appropriate for younger readers who want those fantasy elements but aren't ready for anything too dark or scary. It's a great novel for kids who are drawn to folktales, and it would also make a great gateway book to folktales, especially with Lin's list of further reading at the back of the book. I really couldn't find fault with anything here, and I was quite pleased to see it win the Mock Newbery AND take home a Newbery Honor. I also suspect it would make a great read-aloud for a family or classroom.