This book was a pure joy to read. Even though it's meant for children, I received it as a gift and intend to read it to my daughter when she's old enough to understand. The person who gave the book to me knew that I, like you, would appreciate the dreamlike environment in which the book is set. It makes for a golden-threaded background for another lesson based on the golden rule--with a twist. Instead of "Do Unto Others As You Would Be Treated", it's more of a "Do As They Want to Be Treated."

The words used and the way the story is told keeps the tale alive and interesting for both adults and children. (Adults in particular would enjoy the "knowing way" in which certain descriptions are slipped in.)

This reference work gives a massive collection of facts, author birth and death dates (including writers from around the world, not just U.S./British), publication dates for major works, and lists upon lists upon lists of events. However, there are inconsistencies among the birth and death dates. Some are simply wrong, while others are internally inconsistent (that is, the same fact in two different parts of the book do not agree). But I can't think of another book that has this breadth of information.