"A wonderful story about a young boy. ..and hard work. ... .a Toronto story that is quite universal in its appeal.. Les Tait has oertainly brought the Toronto of that time to life." - CBC Radio, "Morningside" October 5,1995
"...a creative and heartwarrning solution to a puzzle ... Oberman's lyrical story concerns one John Tommy Fiddich. ... . (who) meets up with someone fully cognîzant of the value of hard work and is rewarded for his efforts. Old Toronto is brilliantly reflected in Tait's evocative pictures." -- Toronto Star -- October 21,1995
"...fiction of the very best kind ..Les Tait' s paintings faithfully record (John Tommy's) progression, providing a glimpse of an early 20th century Toronto... This is a very satisfying work of historical fiction for the young." -- Globe & Mail - October 28, 1995
"The illustrations ... are and evocative in portraying the Toronto of an earlier age. The text, like the pictures, has an aura of nostalgia.. .this book is both a pleasant story and a moral tale. Hard work and honest ambition do not go unrewarded." - Winnipeg Free Press - October 22,1995
"...a wonderful tale of a hardworking boy who's hard on his luck... .although the story isn't real it may well be." - The Winnipeg Sun by Kîrsten Andrews Dec.5, 1995
"Les' natural penchant for the architecture an character of the city and the areas gives the paintings their richness and authenticity. They are so authentic you may recognize yourself in some of the scenes. --The Villager by Kristen Pemu October 1995
"Oberman creates both an appealing young character and a believable story... Tait's realistic paintings faithfully capture Toronto as it would have appeared in 1914. (Recommended)" - Canadian Materials, -- Dec. 8, 1995 Everything about the book lends itself beautifully for reading to a group of children. ..Les Tait's illustrations shimmer and shine. Toronto of yesteryear cornes alive. Streets, trees, buildings - everything is lovingly depicted in these realistic yet magical illustrations. Casa Loma pokes up through the cityscape like a fairy castle. Authentic touches...strengthen the value of the story's historical content. In both words and picture, the contrast between rich and poor is poignant but not intrusive. Oberman's invented story is a winner every way. The longer one lingers, the more one finds to appreciate." -- Resource Links -February 1996