Kiss the Book blog - April 12, 2018
"A good jump off point to discuss the many different forms of family. Silas' final idea is cute."
Resource Links - October 23, 2017
"This book really shines in the depiction of Silas' grandparents. Not only are they active and passionate about life they are also extremely diverse: Most are in couples, but one is single; they have a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and they range from moderately grey to notably wrinkled. This is a book with detailed, colourful illustrations and a story that values inclusiveness."
School Library Journal - October 2, 2017
Flook's illustrations give wonderful personalities to all of the grandparents and are filled with many interesting details that kids will enjoy spotting and commenting upon. A lovely story for grandparents and grandchildren to share.
Kirkus Reviews - July 28, 2017
"An intergenerational story with a lot of heart."
BookLinx - January 30, 2012
"Really entertaining...It also teaches children about decision making and family life."
Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative - March 7, 2011
"An unusual grandparent story told with humor—not at all sentimental and introducing the variations on family configurations. Recommended."
Library Media Connection - November 1, 2010
"This cute story will cause students to wonder how one boy can have seven grandparents, but this situation can also be turned into a teachable moment...Anita Horrocks writes of a very loving family situation. Helen Flook's illustrations are bright and colorful, warmly complementing this family story...Recommended."
Lethbridge Living Magazine - November 1, 2010
"[A] great picture book, not only because it is a fun story to read, but because it teaches kids about a different set of family dynamics…The end of this book is super cute, and it's guaranteed to touch the hearts of all readers, big and small."
Puget Sound Council - October 1, 2010
"The grandparents themselves are portrayed with joy and great variety, not only in stature and demeanor but ethnicity as well. This is simply a delightful celebration of family."
School Library Journal - September 1, 2010
"Done in acrylic ink, the lively cartoon art is bright and unassuming. The cast of characters is subtly multicultural but their ethnic diversity is presented in a matter-of-fact way. This is a positive story about love and family to share one-on-one with grandparents, no matter how many there are."
The Horn Book Guide - September 1, 2010
"Silas's conflict is wholly relatable, and readers will enjoy, vicariously, all the doting, shown in carefree acrylic-ink illustrations."
Booklist - May 15, 2010
"The deftly drawn water-based ink illustrations reflect the story's upbeat tone and portray the widely diverse grandparents in ways that make them distinctive. A refreshing alternative to the many overly sentimental picture books about children and their grandparents."
CM Magazine - April 9, 2010
"Fills a much-needed niche in that it addresses the fact that all families look different. It is also a celebration of these differences. Recommended."