The quality of this book exceeded my expectations! The size makes it large enough to read aloud with a small group of students, showing pictures as you read. The "letters" in envelopes on various pages are so intriguing, and hold kids' interest to the end. The illustrations are fantastic, covering the whole page right to the edges, with rich colors and a sense of warmth. My ten-year-old daughter picked this book up and read it cover to cover as soon as it arrived, with no prompting from me. I highly recommend this book. It was well worth the price!