“The artwork has an appealing, lumi- nous quality. A handsome picture book that makes its statement quietly and effectively.” - Booklist
“This exquisite, multifaceted tribute to the power of story incorporates issues of cultural diversity, empathy, the environment, and, most universally, intergenerational guidance and love. A Native American girl is ostracized because she lives in “shanty town,” a collection of trailers and abandoned vacation cottages along the lake. Jeannie and the other children from her neighborhood have been labeled “Lake Rats.” At first, she tries to tell her classmates of the pleasures of nature she regularly experiences. After enough taunting, she decides to keep her feelings to herself. It is the gentle guidance of her grandfather that finally brings Jeannie from shame to appreciation. He leads the child to consider muskrats, the real “lake rats,” in a new light. After a vivid dream, Jeannie performs a fitting ritual that establishes her own oneness with the lake and provides her with a newfound sense of well being. Hynes is equally adept at capturing human emotions and the beauty of nature. Full- and half-page illustrations are arranged with an eye-catching use of white space. An interesting note describes the role of stories in Native American cultures, recommends additional reading, and adds more information about muskrats. A unique book with an important message.” - Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA, From Library School Journal: Grade 2-6
“Living in a lakeside community of “cellar holes, trailers, and old winterized cottages,” a girl of Native American and French descent loves her home, but feels demeaned when classmates call her a lake rat. She confides in Grampa, who listens, questions, and reminds her of a legend concerning Muskrat. A dream and a symbolic dive into the lake help the girl fully accept where she’s from and who she is. The delicate artwork, done in acrylics and colored pencils, has an appealing, luminous quality. A change in typography marks the telling of the muskrat legend, midway through the girl’s story. A handsome picture book that makes its statement quietly and effectively.” - Carolyn Phelan, Booklist: Ages 6-8
“…Elegantly illustrated..with Seneca creation story… a treasure for all who have ever dealt with the fear of being different.” - Books In Print, Summer 2006
“…inspiring story…elegantly illustrated…award winning and very strongly recomended addition to elementary school and community library picture-book collections.” - The Midwest Book Review, January 2007
“…story gently flows…perfectly complemented by stunning full-page color illustrations.” - Multicultural Review, Vol 15, #3 Fall 2006
“…thoughtful, evocative tale of a little girl … proud of her heritage, but hurt by the other kids’ teasing…charming story…” - Kennebec Journal, July 22, 2007
