Ostensibly a children's book. Well, "young adult", whatever that means. But this is not childish. It starts as something akin to a fairy story, but it's actually quite a harrowing look at loss, family, and responsibility presented through the lens of a teenage boy. Definitely worthwhile reading. It reminded me -- or made me think about, at least -- the text adventure Tapestry, by Daniel Ravipinto, from many years ago, which is praise.