Time seems somewhat suspended when reading this book; it’s almost hypnotic.  The verse is melodic, the words conjure images long forgotten.  It seems to be best when either read alone or seated next to someone who enjoys the sound of words.  The illustrations are fanciful; lots of hidden details.  Hard to decide how to categorize this book; is it a picture book? a poetry book? a fairy tale?  maybe all three.  For those children who love words and love art, this is the book for them.