[A] thoughtful narrative nonfiction picture book. . . . With accessible language and a heartfelt narrative, the story unfolds in a way that is both reverent and informational. Eye-catching digitally created art. . . . Occasional fantastical illustrations . . . and the inclusion of Spanish language blend the reality of this landscape with the rich, symbolic meaning the saguaro has for local residents. . . . This excellent introduction to the regal saguaro blends a strong narrative with informative content.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Stylized digital artwork in sunset hues portrays the human figures as part of the landscape, standing like saguaros and riding hummingbirds. It’s a thoughtful meditation on interdependence within the natural world.
—Publishers Weekly
Writing in a measured, wistful tone, Kemp pulls on the magical underpinnings of the natural world to craft a tale of familial bonds and heritage, centered on a child’s earnest perspective. Likewise, D’Alessandro’s rich artwork favors purples, pinks, and greens to depict rather dreamlike landscapes between grounded scenes of rancho life. . . . Richly meditative.
—Kirkus Reviews
Kemp weaves a poignant love letter to the saguaro cacti of the Sonoran desert, accompanied by illustrations that capture the landscape’s cool palette in bright neon hues.
—Booklist
[An] informational book celebrating saguaros . . . . The text is both spare and lyrical; the digital art . . . also reflects the spareness of the desert, making scenes of saguaro flowers blooming and birds and butterflies flying around all the more moving. Curved lines and warm colors make the desert seem inviting, and dramatically varying perspectives add dynamism to the illustrations.
—The Horn Book