This is a really magical book to read - the diary and the forward and afterward make you feel like you know Opal Whiteley. It's emotional to read about what her life was like after she wrote this diary as a child, but the diary transports you to a world full of child-like wonder. It really is amazing that Oregon doesn't tout this as one of their state treasures as it describes the magic of the PNW very well. I don't think I will ever be able to find another book quite like this!