I really enjoyed this book, and kind of wish I'd read it as a child! It was surprisingly realistic and severe for a children's fantasy book, despite beginning in a rather cute tone, and I get the feeling that Kendall deliberately illustrated this contrast in order to teach children valuable lessons through fantasy: that life, even in another world, is often hard; that we have to face our problems head on and still see the light in the darkness; that bad things can happen but we have to keep fighting; that we should challenge authority and embrace individuality; etc.
Very good story... if I ever have kids, I will definitely read this to them :)