ALA Booklist (Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Lily is happy at home with her nana, until the day a giant named Gulliver walks out of the ocean (and every Lilliputian child's nightmares) and kidnaps her to his home in faraway London. With the help of a beleaguered clock-maker's apprentice and a few other friends, Lily is determined to make her way back home. Geared toward the younger set, this "sequel" to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is equal parts escape tale and philosophical exploration of freedom. The language and story, though not as ornate or complex, are reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo's Tale of Despereaux (2003). There is death and abuse, but it isn't explicit, and the omniscient narrator distances children from some of the emotional content. Black-and-white illustrations rendered in pencil and watercolor add a whimsical touch to Lily's adventures, softening the intensity and danger of her exploits. Gayton's book is a good choice for a read-aloud, and an afterword introduces children to "Gulliverania" (fan fiction) and the notion of public domain.

Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Kidnapped and held captive in a birdcage in London by a "giant" named Gulliver, Lily continuously plots her escape home to Lilliput. With only a sliver of danger, the limited plot (spoiler: she escapes) is supplemented with tender new friendships and the forgiveness of her well-meaning but misguided capturer. Ratterree's delicate, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations enhance the Gulliver's Travelsinspired adventure.

School Library Journal (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Gr 4-6 Lily is a three-inch tall child from the country of Lilliput. At three moons old, she was kidnapped by Lemuel Gulliver to be proof of his travels. Desperate for home, she has tried to escape 33 times and failed. After every attempt, she gets stuffed into a sock. On her latest sock stint, however, Finn, the clockmaker's apprentice, manages to rescue her. In their attempts to find a way to return Lily to Lilliput, Finn's master, Mr. Plinker, discovers Lily's existence. Determined to turn Lily and Finn into clock-fixing servants, the clockmaker is hot on their tail. To top it off, Gulliver wants Lily back so he can prove his research. Will Finn and Lily manage to get her back to Lilliput? Will Mr. Plinker catch up with them? The illustrations are detailed and have an eye-catching, three-dimensional quality. Though the plot is simplistic, the old-fashioned storytelling style is well done and brings Lilliput's world to life. The characters are likable, unique, and engaging. VERDICT Readers who enjoy adventure and visiting new places will want to meet Lily. Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT