School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Gr 1-3 Sitting on the steps of the children's center, Lester anxiously waits for his new parents and their dog, Wincka, to take him home. They've waited a year for this moment, as "it always takes a long time to adopt someone." Even though Lester loves his new home and Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, everyone has a lot to learn about one another and their new roles. Lester still fears someone might come to hurt him and so cannot unpack his action figures, which he keeps ever ready in a little blue suitcase. Hurt also comes in angry words as the new Daddy Albert realizes. After enduring many nights of interrupted sleep, tripping over action figures, and bumping into the blue suitcase, Daddy Albert explodes at Lester. His anger recedes quickly, and he is as upset as Lester, who shares his fear and loneliness. Wincka, a wise dog (who resembles another Raschka canine), quietly comes up with the solution; she simply moves into Lester's bed, which she will continue to share with the boy and his action figures. The evocative story is quietly told in accessible, sensitive language. Equally moving watercolors use fluid line and gentle colors to amplify the poignant family story and portray each distinctive character. The text, written by Williams, is a deeply personal one and the last book she would write before her death. VERDICT This tender and uplifting tale, probably best shared one-on-one, should find a home in every children's collection. Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library

ALA Booklist (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Lester has been waiting to go home with Daddy Rich and Daddy Albert, and at last, the adoption is final. But once in his new home, Lester finds it hard to let go of his little blue suitcase and the protective action figures that reside within. He wanders around at night, hoping his dads will let him sleep in their bed. Everyone in the family is stressed until Wincka, the family dog, solves the problem when he moves from Rich and Albert's bed to Lester's, bringing safety with him. This final book by the acclaimed Williams offers honest emotions, provides thoughts on both isolation and inclusion, and promotes the promise of family. The book could have been trimmed ere is a lot of backstory to get to its perfect ending t the extra pages give Raschka, who worked right beside Williams, ample space to do his thing. The bright art, more realistic than in some of Raschka's other books, captures the complexities and joy of a new family and is as honest as Williams' words. One last gift from Williams.

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

Foster child Lester finally has a real family in Daddy Albert, Daddy Rich, and their dog Wincka. But sleeping alone makes Lester anxious. While the text takes its time in developing and solving this crisis, the pleasures of familyhood dot the narrative and provide texture. In their watercolors, Williams and Raschka engage the matter-of-fact intimacy of the boy with his gay dads.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Lester loves living in his new home with Daddy Rich, Daddy Albert, and their funny old dog, Wincka. Keeping his suitcase packed with his -best action toys- makes Lester feel safe, but every night, he appears by Daddy Rich and Daddy Albert-s bedside. It takes Lester weeks to voice his fears: -What if somebody comes and takes me away right in the middle of the night?- It-s Wincka who finally solves the problem, and she does it so well that Daddy Albert says, -Maybe Wincka should have adopted Lester instead of us.- Full of tender everyday moments, Raschka-s sunny, loosely stroked paintings lull readers into Lester-s new life. The family lives simply in a peaceful neighborhood, they share pancakes in bed on Sundays, and Williams and Raschka embrace the challenges of building a new family (Daddy Albert blows his stack in frustration, and Daddy Rich cries at the sight of one of Lester-s tears), as well as the joys. Williams-s gift was capturing candid moments of pure love, and this, her final story before her death in 2015, offers a string of them. Ages 4-8. Illustrator-s agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Sept.)