Once Upon A Fairy Tale discussion

Anybody here a fan of Mark Helprin and Chris Van Allsburg's Swan Lake trilogy? I'm surprised I never hear much about it. I've read the first book and it is truly children's literature with a capital 'L.' Helprin's whimsy evokes another great modern American teller of fairy tales, James Thurber, but he brings so much more in his own signature bejeweled, profound, and emotionally resonant prose. Also, given that the second volume is about a ten year old girl who walks down a mountain with just herself to reclaim her kingdom inheritance and right the deaths of her parents, it seems it should be drawing the large audience of people wanting strong female characters for their daughters to relate to. Plus, it's painted by Chris Van Allsburg! And the production values are gorgeous!