I first read this book in school in the fourth grade and I was always wonderfully surprised and delighted at the variety of characters and the turn of events in the story. Even though I was young, I knew there was a lot of plays on words throughout the book. I just recently bought the book again and at 19 years old, I am STILL impressed with this story. It's fun, interesting, and really makes one think about life and what it's worth. It's a great story to share with others and hopefully one day I will get the chance to read it to a child and share with them this story that combines a child's imagination and an adult's artful mind. Whether 10 or 90, buy this book. I will always treasure MY copy.