The book marked the first time Chin used die cuts, in addition to his normal use of pen and ink, watercolors, and gouache.

Reading Ranney's book, Chin discovered that scientists had become more uncertain about when the Grand Canyon was formed, and that it could be up to ten times older than he learned when in high school.

"[1]: 3:56 In his research, Chin found that there were three distinct topics – geology, ecology, and paleontology – that would each need to be explored in order to tell the "biography" of the place.

[9] Several reviewers also praised the effect of the gatefold pages for creating an inspiring panoramic display of the Grand Canyon.

[3] Betsey Bird of Horn Book praised Chin's use of die cuts for the way that he uses them to connect the present and the past.

In its starred review, Publishers Weekly described it as "a stunningly illustrated story of a magical father-daughter hike".

[9] Danielle Ford in Booklist's starred review gave particular praise to the informational text, writing how Chin was able to bring the past "to life through scientific imagination.

"[11] It was also awarded a 2018 Caldecott Honor, with the committee praising how "Chin uses watercolor, gouache and pen and ink to render sweeping landscapes, culminating in an epic gatefold panorama.