”Cat, in collared shirt, suspenders, and pants, is an angry hermit that lives in a cardboard box in a vacant lot. In this cartoon representation of the urban decay of a city center, Cat learns the importance of friendship and community by saving the life of Pigeon. Pigeon and Cat learn about each other through speech bubbles that hold emojilike icons; Pigeon heals, then flies away from the abandoned lot and brings back gifts for Cat that readers will recognize as chalk, crayon, and other supplies that can be used in service of art. Cat is resistant to traveling the world beyond his abandoned lot, but celebrates the gifts with rebus drawings on one of the walls facing the abandoned lot. However, one day Pigeon flies away and does not return; thus begins a growth opportunity for Cat, opening the curmudgeon’s heart and leading to a joyful reunion with Pigeon. The exquisite, vibrant handcrafted oil paintings on board are paired with 10–20-word texts on Pigeon’s and Cat’s thoughts and actions. VERDICT A splendid paean to the power of art to heal, and the trifecta of friendship, persistence, and inclusivity to rebuild community. A delightful book.” STARRED REVIEW!
School Library Journal
"An interspecies lovefest starring two urban strays…. A sweet tale celebrating the joys of both personal and communal togetherness."
Kirkus Reviews
"A loner cat and an adventurous, outgoing bird are paired in this heartwarming story of friendship and community.... Hemingway’s oil-on-board art has an animated quality that jumps off the page…. bright contrasts and dynamic perspectives help bring the city and its inhabitants to life. Along with the main text, all of the dialogue is presented in speech bubbles, which young readers will enjoy deciphering. A satisfying story exploring heart and home."
The Horn Book
"Grumpasaurus’s transformation from prickly to huggable is totally toddlerlike and satisfying. VERDICT...This tale will surely resonate with young audiences."
School Library Journal
"An effervescent how-to for the wrangling of fearsome, tantrum-prone beasties...Kids will sympathize, parents will recognize, siblings will familiarize."
Kirkus Reviews
"The book’s knowing sense of humor, entertaining oil paintings, and pseudoscientific conceit give the term grumpasaurus a good chance of making its way into many families’ lexicons."
Publishers Weekly
“Hemingway bakes up a clever case of mistaken identity in this holiday treat–inspired tale… just as readers think they’re in for a certain gingerbread-flavored story, Hemingway flips the script… The smiling, anthropomorphic goodies that populate the streets of Christmastown demand a close look, and the author’s snappy pacing and silly scenarios keep the giggles coming.”
Publishers Weekly
"The fun is in the size of the round-eyed characters, the icinglike pastel colors, the layout and pacing of the storyline on the page, and the variety of candy and cookie characters, all smiling away. This sweet and silly story is about friendship and making the best of what you’ve got."
Kirkus Reviews
"Charming . . . Social norms force Mac and Will apart; surprisingly effective, fruit-related pathos ensues before the two friends decide to buck convention and like whom they like. Who cares what anyone thinks?"
The New York Times
“The story works very nicely as a gentle celebration of friendship.”
Publishers Weekly