[A] wonderfully illustrated fable about the consequences of greed...largely black-and-white spreads by the Fan Brothers (The Antlered Ship), rendered digitally and in graphite, offer mesmerizing crispness and definition. The varied textures captured, from delicate dandelion heads to the glow of fireflies and the glossy reflective surface of the marble itself, give readers an entrée into the insects' miniature world, and the sense that they are privy to its secrets and movements as the insects learn how to make wonder available to all. --Publishers Weekly
The Fans' marvelous illustrations sparkle with nuance, from lofting dandelion seeds to the Spider's dew-dropped web...well-nigh Wondrous. --Kirkus Reviews
* "A whimsical story of what happens when an everyday item is suddenly seen through new eyes."--School Library Journal, starred review
"The Fans create a satisfying vintage feel with their playfully formal diction and detailed and graphite and digital illustrations, which mix realism and whimsy...each exquisitely detailed spread invites a longer, closer look, and the restrained palette's grayscale and color contrast recalls the film The Wizard of Oz. Only the items "from the sky" and the leaf currency are in color, suggesting their otherworldly quality and allure. Fans of David Wiesner should especially love this immersive miniature world where marbles are marvels and community spirit triumphs over filthy leaves--er, lucre."--Shelf Awareness
* "The Fan brothers' spectacularly detailed graphite work is as sumptuous and painstakingly rendered as always, and they use both shadow and light and limited pops of stunning color to enhance their storytelling in a remarkable way...[t]he story is elegantly told with clear anti-consumerist, anti-greed messaging, and while the spider is a bit alarming-looking, much can be forgiven for its dapper bow tie."--Booklist, starred review