I really like this book. The story was wonderfully told and complex, and the illuminations throughout were delightful. I love the multi-culturism of the story, which centers around a peasant girl, a half-European half-African oblate, a Jewish boy, and a holy dog. The story itself is told in a way reminiscent of Chaucer, with various people at an inn taking turns to tell the tales of these three children, and why they're on the run from the king of France. The tales deal masterfully with differences in religion and the prejudices that can arise from them, questions of morality and why God may act in certain ways, and of course friendships and the bonds between people that can become like those of family. Though some themes get a little dark, the humor laced throughout helps mitigate it somewhat. I can't wait to share this book with the children in my life. (Also, a section at the end explains what and who are based on real events and people and what is purely fiction, which my history-loving heart appreciates, and can give kids a jumping-off point if they want to learn more.)