Shirley Hughes is one of the greatest writers and illustrators for pre-schoolers that we have. The creator of the endearing, enduring Alfie series, she understands a small child's world to perfection...Substitute child for donkey, and you have just the way far too many children feel, especially in the holidays. The expressions on Jonadab's face - contented, bored, defiant, amazed, lonely, wretched and utterly despairing - are all too familiar. Times 20080830 Picturebooks need to engage and delight children while also entertaining the adults who read them aloud. Hughes's new picturebook achieves this end triumphantly. Sunday Times 20080907 Bewitching and poignant story from the inimitable Shirley Hughes. Bournemouth Daily Echo 20080905 Children will love this little tale with great illustrations and learn a valuable lesson about appreciating their friends. The South Wales Argus 20080920 This tale of friendship, and possible loss, is told simply and powerfully and enriched with lively, enveloping illustrations both in colour and black and white. It is superb. Carousel 20081015 Yet another winner from the author whose many books enhance children's bookshelves. Newbury Weekly News 20081023 Delightful illustrations that are touched with magic perfectly compliment this warm and memorable story. Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review 20081103 A delightful tale with a perfectly happy ending. The Northern Echo 20081121 This heartwarming tale is a timely purchase for Christmas as it is enthralled with Shirley Hughes' beautiful prose and magical watercolour drawings - perfect bedtime reading fare. Pregnancy and Parenting 20081201 A story which will touch all children, enriched by the enchanting illustrations from our much-loved Shirley Hughes who catches the magic and warmth of the love between a child and her favourite toys. School Librarian 20081201 A magical tale. Sunday Express 20090412