“With lessons on friendship, culture, and helping others, and language and art reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this endearing picture book is richly rewarding.” --School Library Journal, starred
"It’s a sweetly psychedelic mix of Tove Jansson, Van Gogh, and what is now recognizably trademark Shapiro. . . . [her] tale is a gentle charmer, plain and simple" --Quill & Quire, starred
“[A] well-paced and neatly structured story.” --Kirkus Reviews
“What’s fresh is Shapiro’s distinctive way of making readers consider not only cultural norms, but everything the two have in common.” --Publishers Weekly
"Shapiro’s worlds, both hairy and human, are warmly imaginative, and young readers will love the idea that an entirely new realm might be accessible simply by climbing the right tree." --Booklist
"The illustrations, with their echoes of tropical fabric prints, are eye-catching, and Mala’s house in the woods, with its shingled roof and turrets, looks like it would be a fine place to live — with no adults in sight!" --CM Magazine
“Esmé Shapiro's gorgeous watercolor, gouache and pencil illustrations allow this story to soar, her boldly colorful palette and textured details bringing Alma to fantastical life. In this charming picture book. . . . Alma's day ends as it began, ‘like any other,’ but not before she hugs her new human friend, Mala, having learned that everyone — even ‘beasts’ — have names.” --Shelf Awareness
“Teachers could use this book when discussing differences between people and places and how to make new friends. The illustrations could be used to ignite the imagination for storytelling, writing, or drawing.” --Resource Links
