This second collaboration by the award-winning team of Lê and Santat touches that sweet spot between children's 'anywhere but here' longings and the everyday joys and heartaches of sibling rivalry.--The New York Times
* Styled like a graphic novel's, the illustrations focus on Iris' feelings as she imagines a new elevator button, one that she can control, with the magical ability to transport her to other worlds. Frustration, invention, escape, wonder -- all move across the pages with immediacy. Like Sendak's Max, Iris uses anger to lift her away from the real world into jungles and outer space. And she returns to her room changed. Breaking the bounds of a traditional picture book, Iris' creative growth elevates us all.--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* Beautiful art enhances an uplifting story that encourages readers to share secret wonders with one another -- even annoying kid siblings.--School Library Journal, starred review
* The story is beautifully told through Santat's expressive characters and dynamic panels of sequential art..... [It's] an entirely immersive experience that children will reach for, again and again, like their own magic button.--Booklist, starred review
* An excellent choice for individual consumption or as a read-aloud, this story is sure to get creative juices flowing.--School Library Connection, starred review
* Santat's comedic versatility and theatrical use of light give the story cinematic momentum, while Lê's insight into Iris's conflicting emotions adds depth and warmth to the tale.--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Uplifting.--The Horn Book
A magic elevator button brings two siblings together in this uplifting picture book reminiscent of a graphic novel.--Shelf Awareness
Magic happens here, through a few words and vibrant illustrations that capture emotions common to kids finding their place in a family and a community.--Common Sense Media
The story itself makes a kid-appealing metaphor about leaving the familiarities of baby and toddlerhood behind for new, exciting adventures.--BCCB
Praise for Lift: An ALA Notable Book
A Summer 2020 Kids' Indie Next ListPW Best Books of the SummerIndieBound Children's Bestseller
The Boston Globe Best Books of 2020