Kids will relish discovering the myriad creepy, cool details . . . that adorn this distinctly gothic school and heartily applaud Grace’s circuitous mission accomplished.
—The New York Times Book Review
[An] uncanny picture book.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Though Priestley’s older titles have reveled in terror, the tone of this book is far more questing and curious than scary, in the vein of Edward Gorey’s work. Young readers will be rapt, poring over Grace’s paths, determined to find clues in the cobwebby corners. . . . Ambience practically becomes its own character in this spellbinding, near infinite search.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The wonderfully offbeat book is a rare treasure, and every spread holds the unexpected. Immersive illustrations are delightfully detailed and slightly disconcerting, with dark watercolor tones adding an air of mystery. . . . Readers will pore over every page of this extraordinary adventure—and demand instant enrollment.
—Booklist (starred review)
This story for younger readers is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense and humor, with superb art by award-winning Italian illustrator Mariachiara Di Giorgio (The Midnight Fair). Her richly detailed, painterly artwork demonstrates an impressive command of light and shadow, and her depiction of Grace’s increasingly disheveled appearance is a perfect tonal match for the subtly hilarious elements of Priestley’s story. Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly’s Classroom? will be a hit with inquisitive readers who, like Grace, appreciate a little gothic creepiness with their daring adventures.
—BookPage (starred review)
Author Priestley crafts a gently humorous narrative centered on persistence, curiosity, and quiet bravery. . . . Di Giorgio’s illustrations are the clear standout. Rendered in richly textured, watercolorlike spreads with layered detail, the light and shadow create an atmosphere that is eerie yet inviting rather than frightening. Each spread rewards careful attention. . . .
—School Library Journal
Short paragraphs of simple text are interspersed here with immersive illustrations full of sometimes creepy, sometimes humorous details that will give a newly independent reader plenty to pore over. The predictable pattern of each encounter keeps the story from getting too frightening for younger kids, with suspense building up and then releasing. . . . Di Giorgio’s atmospheric watercolor illustrations render Grace’s adventure through her strange new school in dramatic sweeps of shadow and misty, luminously glowing windows and doorways in soft earthy shades. . . . Grace can lend some courage and confidence to a budding horror fan or a youngster apprehensive about a new school. . . .
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The art of this title enraptured me . . . thoroughly. . . . it’s a great big metaphor for when kids get lost in spaces that should be familiar to them and suddenly aren’t, but there’s such a sense of fun and play on these pages. And so evocative too!
—Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
