He has just tried out for the school play, a fantasy about an old man who accepts two lost children into his life and regains some of his childhood magic, and Leo is cast oddly as "the old crone".

[1] Kirkus Reviews described it as a "warm, funny, philosophical novel",[2] and Book Dragon writing, "Creech's readers be asking for her next memorable tale!

"[3] Common Sense Media's Matt Berman found "little objectionable here, and much of real value", noting that "it's a book that can cause children to look at those around them with new vision and empathy.

In a more mixed review Publishers Weekly wrote,Some readers may be disappointed not to see more development of the relationship between Leo and his father.

But the author artfully weaves together dreams, memories and minor crises that occur at home and onstage, to create a tapestry of images and voices that celebrate both the imagination and family.