Kirkus Reviews

Robbie, perhaps 9 or 10 years old, is a bit of a sobersides, a solemn young narrator, given to adult tone and phrasing in his spare, first-person, present-tense account of an unexpected adventure. Robbie seems to withhold something of himself, unsure whether to trust his feelings even as he resents and longs for his similarly contained, talented mother. Robbie's parents leave him and Ellie, his well-behaved dog, with Maddy, his grandmother, as they depart for a concert tour with his mother's string quartet. Maddy has the ability to attract and communicate peacefully with the wild creatures of the forest, and it troubles Robbie that his parents find her eccentricity worrisome. And though the dog remembers Maddy's doughnut dinner, apparently Maddy has forgotten ever meeting the dog when she quizzes Robbie about Ellie before their arrival. The stay at Maddy's house becomes an inadvertent test of Robbie's ability to trust as well as to meet a challenge when his grandmother is injured on an overnight camping trip and a bear comes close to camp. In learning that he can rely on his own strengths ("small truths," as Henry puts it) Robbie also finds that he is able to be generous with his love. Some readers may find the gentle pace lacking in excitement, but for others, Robbie's quietly affecting observations will feel like truth. (Fiction. 8-10)

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

A boy discovers newfound courage and an old family secret during an eventful summer stay with his beloved grandmother in Newbery Medalist MacLachlan-s brief but emotionally intense novel. Robbie can-t wait to visit his grandmother Maddy, who will care for him and his dog, a -brown hound mix- named Ellie, when Robbie-s parents go on tour with their classical music quartet. Unlike his distant and distracted mother and father, Maddy likes to have adventures, tells awesome stories, and even communes with wild animals near her home. Robbie doesn-t care that Maddy-s stories make people nervous, even if he-s not sure they-re true. When an overnight campout with Maddy takes a scary turn, Robbie must call on Ellie and Maddy-s friend Henry to help them, and the ordeal spurs some important revelations. MacLachlan demonstrates her mastery of elegantly unfolding a tale and gently plucking at readers- heartstrings without taking a maudlin tone. The story-s satisfying but not overly neat ending suggests a hopeful path forward for these memorable characters. Ages 6-10. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, East West Literary Agency. (July)

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5 An elegant exploration of love and familial relationships . Robbie is looking forward to spending the summer with his grandmother, Maddy. He likes her eccentric stories, he likes that wild animals come right up to her, and he likes how Maddy makes his parents nervous. Robbie often feels that his parents, accomplished professional musicians, love their instruments more than him. Over the course of the summer, Maddy helps him realize that he can be brave enough to express his feelings openly even though his mother might not be capable of saying "I love you" in return. This story is well paced and rhythmic in its dialogue, lending itself well to a group read-aloud. This is a sweet, easy chapter book that teaches children about coming to terms with their own feelings as well as accepting and appreciating others for their own "small truths." Tiffany O'Leary, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY

ALA Booklist

Master storyteller MacLachlan spins an emotional yarn about the bond between a boy and his grandmother. Feeling distanced from his aloof parents, Robbie is excited to spend the summer with his grandmother Maddy. Even though his parents think Maddy is a bit odd, Robbie knows the truth at Maddy is special and understands him like no one else. During his time with Maddy, Robbie discovers the truth that is in him at he is brave, strong, and, most of all, loved. Throughout the summer, Maddy unveils stories about his mother's past, and Robbie begins to understand the resulting strained relationships. Robbie's bond with Maddy is a strong one, and readers will relate to their special connection. A spare, poetically composed tale written in short chapters perfect for beginning read-it-alone readers, this should resonate with young and old alike d makes for a great intergenerational story to share.