I never heard of this series, despite probably being right at the target age when they were in the libraries. The critical blurbs in the front of this compare them Wind in the Willows & Alice in Wonderland, but I have no idea why - maybe the first ones are better. At most I'd compare this to the Poppy of Dimwood, by Avi, series. If I can get a copy of one of the first, I will investigate. ( )