An adventure story for older (children), the story moves rapidly from episode to episode yet develops three unforgettable characters: a not-quite-fully malevolent witch, a delightful girl who's a shop-keeper, and a deeply courageous prince. Grandparents reading it to grandchildren will have classic Fairly Tales brought to mind - but with considerably more charm and conspicuous character development than we all remember. Adults and older children might find some deeper thought. It concerns a place called the Longed-For Land for which the reader will long -- long after.Reading age: 8-99