Lays out the realities of the life cycle with unstinting matter-of-factness and disarming wit. . . . This funny, generous, and profound tale delivers hard truths in a way young readers can hold onto.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Duff treats the heavy content with a light and playful tone that is matched perfectly to Coppo’s chunky, block-colored character art rendered in digitally finished gouache. The result is a witty, accessible primer on history’s expansive length and death as a natural part of life. . . . the book’s cleverly original treatment of a difficult subject holds strong appeal for children grappling with life’s big questions.
—School Library Journal
A multitude of books on dying exist, but few dare to speak of it so honestly with the youngest of readers. A strange, sweet, sad paean to the cycle of life and every living thing’s place in it.
—Kirkus Reviews
There’s a lot of tongue in cheek emotional, scientific, and philosophical bang for the buck here.
—Booklist
Illustrations in pastel hues and featuring rounded shapes with well-chosen whimsical details . . . soften the hard edges of this long-form picture book that examines the circle of life over the long haul. . . . This offbeat offering exhibits a wry, dark humor alongside scientific realities in an attractive and intriguing package that will provide food for thought to young dinosaur fans.
—The Horn Book
Author and illustrator make ideal bio-lab partners, with deadpan humor to match in their complementary visuals and narrative. Coppo’s hyper-simplistic expressions alongside Duff’s disavowal of exclamation points in either silly or serious moments . . . showcase their combined artistic restraint and confidence.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
It’s just everything that picture books are supposed to be. . . . you get a science lesson, you get a friendship lesson, you get to smile, you get to laugh. . . . I Will Eat You in the End is so stinkin’ good.
—Colby Sharp, 5th Grade Teacher