* "MacLachlan again demonstrates a gift for combining an economy of prose with a bounty of emotion.... As befits a story in which words and music play such a central role, MacLachlan’s writing is melodic, poetic, and enchanting."
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Filled with little moments of quiet wisdom and gentle humor, Newbery winner MacLachlan’s story about family love soars."
– Kirkus, starred review
"An inviting choice..."
– Booklist
* "Quiet and tender, this is a story that audiences will wish took longer to read."
– Bulletin, starred review