Writing entirely in dialogue, Fleischman employs a natural and believable matter-of-fact tone that provides a fresh view of the immigrant experience, as the humble objects and their stories form the beginning of a loving bond between the little girl and her great-grandfather. Ibatoulline's illustrations, done in acrylic gouache, are extraordinarily detailed and expressive. Modern scenes appear in warm, amber-toned colors, while framed sepia vignettes depict past memories as if part of a family album. Captivating and powerful.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Fleischman's voice for the girl's great-grandfather is instantly engrossing, free of self-pity and resonant with resilience and gratitude. Ibatoulline...is in equally fine form: his characters' emotionally vivid faces speak of hard lives and fervent dreams, and his sepia-toned scenes never lapse into sentimentality. A powerful introduction to the American immigrant story, and fine inspiration for a classroom project.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Ibatoulline's sepia-toned illustrations beautifully express this immigrant's tale from Italy to Ellis Island and the start of a new life...This lovingly crafted picture book tells an amazing story that is uniquely American. Through unsentimental, yet warm and touching dialogue, Fleischman successfully shares a powerful journey that captures the hardships, self-reliance, strength, and simple joys that characterized early immigrants. It provides an inspirational introduction to the immigration story that captures the humanity of the journey.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

Small-scale objects tell a large-scale, European coming-to-America story in this beautiful offering from two celebrated children's book creators...An excellent title for sharing and discussion, this will resonate with the many kids who will recognize how small, ordinary things can become treasures.
--Booklist (starred review)

Paul Fleischman won the Newbery Medal for "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices" and a Newbery Honor for "Graven Images." He is the author of numerous picture books, including "The Animal Hedge," also illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, and "The Dunderheads" and "The Dunderheads Behind Bars," both illustrated by David Roberts. Paul Fleischman lives in Maine.
Bagram Ibatoulline has illustrated many acclaimed books for children, including "The Animal Hedge" by Paul Fleischman; "On the Blue Comet "by Rosemary Wells;" The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Great Joy," both by Kate DiCamillo;" The Serpent Came to Gloucester" by M. T. Anderson; and "Hana in the Time of the Tulips" by Deborah Noyes. He lives in Pennsylvania.