While the topic is an extremely tough one, Bunting tackles it with her usual grace and poise. The clear and concise writing is a wonderful choice for the subject matter. … A vital purchase for collections everywhere.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Callie’s first-person observations reveal her distress, while poignant watercolor-and-ink illustrations reinforce her emotions through deft use of white space, color washes and strong outlines that capture postures and facial expressions. Images of forlorn Callie surrounded by a yard full of possessions, sad Callie hugging Sara, distraught Callie grabbing her bike and Callie’s parents comforting her visually tug the heart. A simple, moving tale of a family in transition.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Castillo’s (Nana in the City) gentle scenes soften the family’s sadness…. Bunting captures the way loss can take a family’s possessions while leaving their love for each other intact.
—Publishers Weekly
…a quietly domestic, visually accessible style that offers a feeling of stability, which helps cushion the sadder implications of the story. It’s useful to have a story where moving may be no adventure for anybody in the family, but where things will still be okay.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The story’s focus on having to move due to reduced circumstances is a welcome addition to books about contemporary problems.
—Booklist
Castillo’s warm and restrained ink and watercolor illustrations capture the emotions without overwhelming the reader. A lovely and honest story about a hard topic.
—Kirkus Reviews
This simple yet powerful picture book will resonate with any reader who has experienced loss and engender empathy among students who may be in a position to help those who have.
—School library Connection
A straightforward, heartfelt story.
—Horn Book
A quietly wrenching yet ultimately comforting story of a family adjusting to straitened circumstances.
—The Wall Street Journal
