"A tall-tale hero in a parable for today. The author's intensely felt theme and his invention of dramatic details make this brief piece of fiction high-spirited and entertaining."
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The Horn Book "A clever, inventive fantasy of timely appeal to children."
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Booklist "Written with such great gusto, with such vivid precision, that children will sit spellbound in their ringside seats."
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Publishers Weekly "A great book to start up a family reading tradition. Irresistible."
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Boston Phoenix "Reckoned one of the greatest of modern fairy tales."
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The Observer (England)
"A thrilling and unforgettable tale, magnificently told."
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Trade News (England)
"Hughes has never written more compellingly...with linguistic tact and imaginative power to achieve something of possible enduring consequence."
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The Times (England)
"Riveting."
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The Tablet (England)
"Brilliant."
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The Listener (England)