"Vivid pages abound with the gem-like layered mixed-media paintings in the signature style of this two-time Caldecott Honor Book illustrator. Whimsical and surreal details, both real and make-believe, celebrate the joy of pretending with a new friend."-- Booklist, STARRED review "De Sève's well-paced telling is charmingly abetted by Zagarenski's layered multimedia paintings. The artist's Klee-esque colors and signature symbols--stars, crowns, houses, bees and more--will provide fertile ground for young readers' own imaginings.A lovely, nuanced collaboration."-- Kirkus , STARRED review "Zagarenski's textured and detailed illustrations will capture children's imaginations, and will have them enthralled as they follow the many smaller animal familiars through the pages. A must-purchase."-- School Library Journal , STARRED review "Jewel-box artwork by Caldecott Honor artist Zagarenski recalls the exquisite detail of Persian miniatures.

"-- Publishers Weekly " The text's dive into social paralysis gives this depth beyond the usual new-friends story."-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.