“A spunky and independent heroine, a satisfying story and a gentle environmental message combine nicely here in an arboreal celebration that will delight many a young reader.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Watercolor and collage illustrations feature lively cartoon figures and depict Emmy’s vibrant world.” ―School Library Journal

“The repetition of phrases, the cadence of the text, and the understanding of a child’s emotions make this picture book a fine choice for reading aloud. A natural for Arbor Day or Earth Day.” ―Booklist

“Rodman’s lively story will keep children engaged…Lyrical, colorful illustrations by Tatjana Mai-Wyss add a great deal.” ―The News Tribune

“An engaging story of a determined little girl…” ―Sunday Eagle

“This is a lovely story about beauty being in the eye of the beholder and that beauty for children comes from joy and adventures not from status, reputation or origin.” ―My Little Bookcase

“With a charming message and lovely multimedia illustrations, this picture book is a tribute to all those people, young and old, who love all of nature’s gifts and who have the courage to be unique.” ―Through the Looking Glass

“Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Perfect as a read-aloud…a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches.” ―School Library Journal

“Rodman’s witty take on the harsh realities of first grade, as perceived by those in the trenches, will tickle readers’ funny bones…. For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman’s humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Ink sketches filled in with splashy watercolors depict a worried, increasingly frazzled Haley as she copes with new challenges in a busy, active classroom. An important book for kids making a pretty tough transition.” ―Booklist

“The story depicts with aptness, compassion, and humor a vivacious kid who’s gone sour on a much-anticipated experience. Haley’s narration is nicely authentic…and the details of her indignities…will elicit immediate audience understanding.” ―Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books

“The story has humor with an element of surprise. Kids will like the illustrations which depicts the story so well that little ones will be able to interpret the story just by turning the pages.” ―It’s About Time MaMaw

“This picture book addresses this problem with sensitivity and humor, and children will feel reassured as they follow Haley’s first day in first grade.” ―Through the Looking Glass

“Comfort is the name of the game, and this will assure readers like, well, a favorite blanket.” ―Booklist

“Roxie’s present-tense narration contains all the right details of both activities and feelings. Hayashi’s clean pictures, in watercolor, pen and colored pencil, have a gentle look, apt for target audience. This empathetic tale should calm the nerves of all novice campers-to-be.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The soft watercolor, pen, and colored-pencil cartoons enhance the mood and capture the campers’ expressions throughout.” ―School Library Journal

“A great title especially if you have a first-time camper this year.” ―MetroFamily Magazine

“The anthropomorphized pup’s bouts of homesickness and forays into friendship will reassure her human counterparts as will Nancy Hayashi’s humorous watercolor depictions of dogs making popsicle-stick boxes, wearing bathing suits and singing ’99 Buckets of Bones on the Wall.’” ―Washington Parent

“This book is sensitively written, and it will help children to better understand how to deal with the bullies that they encounter at camp and at school.” ―Through the Looking Glass