Although "The Neverending Story" has been a best seller in Europe, it's hard to see why. The book's appeal seems limited to readers about Bastian's age. It is bereft of psychological insight or depth of characterization. It seems geared more to "Star Wars" viewers than Tolkien readers. Anyone over 12 who gushes over this book ought to be kept in at recess.

Michael Ende's problem, however, is certainly not plotting. The story begins in suspense and darts from adventure to adventure. Ferocious dragons, ancient seers, giant snakes, a wicked sorceress and a faithful dragon roam through these pages. Heroes must best their rivals, endure unspeakable trials, conquer their fears….

Since the tale is fantasy and aimed at the junior-high mind, everything will turn out all right in the end. Courage, readers of this primer will learn, can work wonders for the most fainthearted; friendship is more nourishing than ambition...