REVIEWS

STARRED REVIEW “Full-page, realistic color illustrations introduce each chapter, tracing the journey from beginning to end in a snowy, rural, largely unmechanized environment evoking a simpler time and place. Quiet, gentle, satisfying tale of father-son bonding."

—Kirkus Reviews

“Early American scenes by Yelchin capture driving snow, rural scenery, and the many farm animals Samuel encounters. Underpinning this deliberately paced story with an old-fashioned feel is the relationship between Samuel and his strong, reliable father, whose pride in his son is quiet but evident."

—Publishers Weekly

“Eugene Yelchin’s illustrations give the book a firm anchor, warmly conveying the old-fashioned setting, while the text offers a handful of historical references. This illustrated chapter book’s timeless feel makes it a wonderful choice for a cozy read-aloud."

—Book Page

“Yelchin’s color illustrations evoke a quiet camaraderie between father and son, making their determined way through thickening snowfall and darkening skies; for an audience that’s not fully up to tackling the text alone, each chapter begins with a vignette that hints at what to look for in the upcoming trade."

—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“An excellent first historical fiction book, with an award-winning author and illustrator. Small details in the text and illustrations give hints about the time and place, allowing to draw inferences."

—A Kids Book a Day

“The narrative is spare and engaging with a folktale-like tone and storyteller’s flair for repeated phrasing. Yelchin’s lively full-color paintings are full of motion and realistic natural detail."

—The Horn Book Magazine