A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection

★ "Newbery Medalist Applegate weaves a gently sophisticated tale that considers the trauma brought about by war on those forced to endure it. Zephyrina's grudging first-person POV injects humor into tender and eloquent narrative sequences, which Santoso expertly complements with detailed grayscale illustrations depicting moments such as Pocket's loving creation and a midnight conference of toys. Across brief yet rousing chapters, this treasure of a book evokes laughter, tears, and introspection in equal measure. "--Publishers Weekly, starred & boxed review

★ "Applegate's writing is exquisitely nuanced; she couches profound themes in accessible language that depicts relatable situations. Gentle, generous Elizaveta and Dasha poignantly underscore the human impact of wars. Santoso's enchanting, delicate, black-and-white illustrations bring the timeless feeling of a classic to this hopeful, humanizing story of the distressed looking out for each other. Poignant and heartwarming." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "On its surface, this Toy Story-esque tale is a gentle fantasyadventure with a dash of mystery, but Applegate adds layers that give the story meaningful depth. The history of teddy bears is deftly stitched into the narrative, and the echoes of war quietly reverberate through the tale in unexpected ways. Soft graphite chapter illustrations reflect the story's sweetness in charming detail, while Zephyrina's narration adds a memorable and comic touch to this salute to friendship and second chances.
....Applegate's books are reliably wonderful..."--Booklist, starred review

"A well-paced, reassuring tale of friendship with just a bit of mild tension. Fans of Applegate will be pleased." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)