**INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**
An INDIE BESTSELLER
An Amazon BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Barnes & Noble Best Book for Young Readers
An Evanston Public Library Best Book for Kids
A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Younger Readers
The Week Junior Best Book of the Year
A PEOPLE magazine Best Book of the Year
A Common Sense Selection for Families

★ "Newbery Medalist Applegate weaves a gently sophisticated tale that considers the trauma brought about by war on those forced to endure it. Zephyrina’s grudging first-person POV injects humor into tender and eloquent narrative sequences, which Santoso expertly complements with detailed grayscale illustrations depicting moments such as Pocket’s loving creation and a midnight conference of toys. Across brief yet rousing chapters, this treasure of a book evokes laughter, tears, and introspection in equal measure. "--Publishers Weekly, starred & boxed review

★ "Applegate’s writing is exquisitely nuanced; she couches profound themes in accessible language that depicts relatable situations. Gentle, generous Elizaveta and Dasha poignantly underscore the human impact of wars. Santoso’s enchanting, delicate, black-and-white illustrations bring the timeless feeling of a classic to this hopeful, humanizing story of the distressed looking out for each other. Poignant and heartwarming." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "On its surface, this Toy Story–esque tale is a gentle fantasyadventure with a dash of mystery, but Applegate adds layers that give the story meaningful depth. The history of teddy bears is deftly stitched into the narrative, and the echoes of war quietly reverberate through the tale in unexpected ways. Soft graphite chapter illustrations reflect the story’s sweetness in charming detail, while Zephyrina’s narration adds a memorable and comic touch to this salute to friendship and second chances.
....Applegate's books are reliably wonderful..."--Booklist, starred review

★"Applegate’s latest strikes at the heart, addressing the vitality of empathy, the long-lasting effects of war, and the power of found family. Readers follow the plot through Zephyrina’s perspective and journey from a tough street cat to a loving pet. One can either let their past harden them or let it soften them to the world around them, and the characters of Applegate’s book strive for empathy and softness.--School Library Journal, starred review

"A well-paced, reassuring tale of friendship with just a bit of mild tension. Fans of Applegate will be pleased." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

"Middle-grade veteran Applegate effortlessly weaves a believable animal fantasy." -- The Horn Book