"A touching, realistic, gently humorous story of how a sensitive boy copes with his treasured grandfathers decline."
-- Kirkus Review, starred
"Autumn-hued illustrations by Crowther (Stories of the Night) juxtapose the dull hospital against glorious piney islands and a light-filled sea. Stark straightforwardly conveys family tensions, end-of-life concerns, and intergenerational adoration alongside an archipelagos worth of vivid details."
-- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Deftly drawn and sometimes amusing, the character portrayals are utterly convincing. Expressive full-page illustrations add color to the pages while supporting the storys tone. An unusual adventure story with a core of mutual grandfather-grandson affection."
-- Booklist, starred review
"The writing is unflashy and deadpan except for when its unflashy and musical. Crowthers bright, naive pencil illustrations fit the offbeat text."
-- The New York Times