*A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year 2025**A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year 2025*'Heikkila infuses her compelling narrative with an important, though never heavy-handed, message about balance in relationships
A triumphant blend of humor and horror, perfect for teaching and scaring by turn.'-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review'Equal parts cozy and spooky, this autumnal picture book demonstrates the importance of openness among friends -- and the monstrous consequences of hidden resentments.'-- Foreword Reviews, Starred Review'This lightly gothic picture book for readers seeking a "slightly spooky" story illustrates the dual perils of taking more than we give and not asking for what we need.'-- Shelf Awareness, Starred Review'Fantastic. Just the right level of chills, with a message that some of us (read: me) probably should take to heart
Delightful stuff.'-- Betsy Bird, School Library Journal'Some of the most powerful picture books dare to get dark. Heikkila uses grotesque imagery to plumb the seemingly monstrous emotions that children are often taught to suppress.'-- Mahnaz Dar for Kirkus Reviews'This delightfully subversive book dances along the edges of horror
A fantastic pick for a Halloween readaloud.'-- The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books'A thought-provoking story of friendship, cooperation, perception, and change. It's filled with evocative images and possibilities [
] for discussion opportunities about friendship and growth.'-- Midwest Book Review'A cozy but slightly gothic seasonal offering that is a nice discussion starter for balance in friendships.'-- Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature'A thrilling and spooky tale that teaches the importance of caring for others and being considerate of others' feelings.'-- Adrien Carter, YA Books Central'Easy to read and fun to look at. This could be a good introduction to scarier stories for young children.'-- Samantha Gregory, YA Books Central'A thought-provoking story of friendship, cooperation, perception and change. It's filled with evocative images and possibilities that adult readers will find equally important for discussion opportunities about friendship and growth.'-- Donovan's Literary Services'A cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it
An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!' -- Literary Potpourri'A simple delightful story about an unusual friendship, full of feelings to explore! The subtle creeping uneasiness of this gothic tale will get children hooked till the end.'-- Un viaje en libro'This cozy animal tale is charming and perfect for spooky season storytelling that never gets too spooky.'-- Mom Read It'Cute and sweet and eminently relatable... A cozy look at navigating relationships with care and with honesty.'-- Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk'If you're looking for a book with cozy, cottage core autumn vibes, look no further
A book about bravery, manners, and learning to communicate, this is yet another book that can be just as valuable for adults as it is for the children they read it to.'-- Kathryn Brostowitz, Boswell Book Company (US Indie Bookshop)'The illustrations are stunning, the writing is lyrical, and the story is well done. This will have kids on the edge of their seats.'-- Lauren K., US School Librarian'A real delight for those that enjoyed The Wind in the Willows.-- Sara R., US Public Librarian'What makes this story so memorable is its simplicity in transmitting the weight of such a feeling, as is fear, through easy-flowing sentences and immeasurably vivid illustrations
I found myself wanting to experience it again as though for the first time.'-- Chantel, Goodreads Reviewer'The spookiest, most delightful book
we are obsessed!'-- Our Modern Playroom (Instagram)'With themes of appreciation and honesty, this book can start meaningful conversations about the unspoken rules of friendship.'-- Elizabeth Everett Books (Instagram)'Exploring the ideas of boundaries, unconscious selfishness, feeling taken advantage of and then blowing up -- this story can really connect with how most of us have felt at different times in life.'-- Attached Mummy (Instagram)'This gothic style inspired tale is indeed a little spooky which is ideal for Halloween. The message overall is a positive one -- don't take advantage of your friends and be honest with friends that aren't appreciative of your efforts.'-- Storybook Mamma (Instagram)'An eerie, unexpected, engaging read! There is something about this book that reminds me of old fairytales and the original spooky stories that we all know as classics.'-- Murray's Miraculous Mission (Instagram)'A truly thoughtful story of realistic friendships. I am so happy to see another book by the lovely Heikkila, after falling for her other title Finding the Way to Faraway Valley.'-- 3 Bitty Bookworms (Instagram)'We loved this book! The message of friendship with a dark side was just the right amount of spooky.'-- Bright Wish Books (Instagram)'Perfect for cool fall evening reading. It's also a great way to show kids that friendship requires give and take as well as honesty. The autumn-hued illustrations set the scene and add to the spookiness.'-- Kids Read the World (Instagram) 'My kiddos sure loved when I read this to them! We all agreed how amazing the illustrations were! What a wonderful read for the fall season, which is our favorite!'-- Mama Coffee Books Cardigans (Instagram)'Unique and haunting.'-- Read With a Rescue (Instagram)
