"Rosie is a delightfully spirited character with 'tempo in [her] toes,' and she stands out in white paper cuts against background washes of reds, greens, and yellows. Young children feeling left out and jealous of their siblings will relate to her struggles."
- School Library Journal

"Retelling an English tale, Riggio packs a wallop of suspense as well as some cinematic moments of high drama. Her dark oil paintings dazzle with their special-effects quality."
- Publishers' Weekly

"Closeup photos of Yang's textured needlework, as well as Riggio's accomplished watercolor and gouache paintings, add to the poignancy of the tale. Bound to elicit many questions."
- Publishers Weekly

"When best friend Frieda is bored with the daily routine...Gert suggests going for a walk. The things Frieda finds on the walk provide her with ideas for new hats--including one for Gert."
- School Library Journal

"Riggio's meticulously researched illustrations of this turn-of-the-century couple, filled with nostalgic detail, are remarkable for their characterizing depth."
- Publishers Weekly

"A nostalgic slice of social history as represented by one hard-working Italian-American family, handsomely illustrated in sweeping impressionistic watercolors."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Riggio combines folk art and her experiences with sign language into a story about the Underground Railroad."
- Kirkus

"Riggio nicely recaptures her awe in the season's meaning--both in the story's action and in paintings that are dramatically shadowed like a big old house on a winter's day, and glowing with the warmth of a large, loving Italian family."
- Kirkus

"Every story here is a tiny jewel, and the editor has wisely chosen stories reflecting the many definitions and ramifications of physical beauty."
— VOYA