"The story's lyricism and warmth, coupled with the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations, will leave readers with a smile and perhaps some interesting observations of their own about the magic of fall." --Kirkus Reviews

"The now legendary candle test for toxic gases and the first peek through the ancient door at 'wonderful things!' is certainly the anticipated climax here, but Fern turns the biographical run-up into a story nearly as fascinating and just as important . . . Kulikov's signature hashed line and watercolor artwork is rife with wry humor, an imaginative fusion of literal and symbolic scenes, detailed maps and cartouches, inventively bordered and collaged compositions." --VOYA

"Diesen subtly conveys how experiences can be distilled forever in memory--and that this is something to be thankful for." --Publishers Weekly

"This joyful ode to autumn will be a welcome seasonal selection for its multigenerational friendship and celebration of the natural world." --School Library Journal