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School Library Journal:
"With humor and poignancy, author and illustrator portray an age-old rite of passage."
Austin American-Statesman:
"Michael Sussman's debut made the fairy-tale rise to published book on its own merits, and when you read it, you see why. . . . Along the way, the book hits just the right notes of childish frustration at a new sibling--- sassy, not snotty. (Sussman is a clinical psychologist, which likely explains his eerily accurate mapping of Otto's id-urges.) And though the story ends up with Otto's newfound appreciation for Anna, it's a sweet ending rather than a saccharine one."
New England Reading Association Journal:
"Clinical psychologist Sussman's first book for children is spot-on in its success capturing the voice and emotions of the new older sibling. . . . This book will entertain children whether or not they share Otto's experience, and would be great for a bibliotherapeutic purpose as well."
Blog Reviews:
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them):
"Otto Grows Down Raises Bar for Picture Book Writers"
"I won't tell you where it ends--or where it begins--but let me just say: every editor who sent Mr. Sussman a rejection probably wishes they could make time go in reverse, too."
Bookfoolery:
"Otto Grows Down has a lovely theme about acceptance, but it's also quite funny. The illustrations are perfect--- cartoonishly bold and humorous. This would be a great book to prepare little ones for a new sibling or to read in class. . . . It's easy to imagine this story becoming a timeless classic."
The Mom Blog:
"My six-year-old and I read the book a couple of times in a row just because he found the story so fascinating, as did I. Probably one of the most thought provoking picture books I have ever read."
Two of a kind, Working on a full house:
"My little man keeps choosing this book to read! I think that the illustrations really grab his attention. They're so big and bold that you can't help fall in love with the pages of this book.
. . . I LOVE this book. What mom doesn't want to teach her children to be happy with what they have? Otto Grows Down is not only an absolutely adorable book, it teaches a few great lessons. This is definitely one book that I don't mind reading over and over again!"
Brimful Curiosities:
"Some picture books are pure fluff. This book is not and that is a good thing. Otto Grows Down, the fascinating and funny children's book by Michael Sussman, stretches the imagination. I can guarantee Sussman's book will make children think, particularly about jealousy and also the concept of time."
GoodnCrazy:
"I hope I can say this clearly enough. My little boy LOVES this book.
No. That was pathetic. Let me try again.
--He sprinkles this book on his cereal for breakfast.
--He sleeps with it.
--His older sister likes it just as much and often BEGS to read it to him!
--I'm not exaggerating. He would forgo a trip to the park, for an extra reading of Otto Grows Down.
--It travels on vacation with us.
--He plans to name his firstborn child Otto, regardless of gender."
The 3 Sisters
"While I was reading this book, I started cracking up. The story is so ridiculous. . . .I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't read anything for at least five minutes. I was laughing so hard that my eyes were tearing up."
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