I am a student working on my Elementary Education degree. I recently taught a lesson to 2nd graders and I read this book as part of my anticipatory set. The kids thought the book was a little dark, but you could see the excitement on their faces as I turned each page. The illustrations are excellent. The way the book was set up kept the children in suspense from page to page. They giggled a few times throughout and really seemed to like it. I also enjoyed it and the fact that it is an easy read.