for Irene and the Big, Fine Nickel:
"The author joyfully creates a sense of time and place with colorful descriptions and dialogue, successfully integrating elements of African-American culture." - The Horn Book
"Being black is shared, but only as one more natural color in the rich canvas of daily life...This is a nostalgic look at a less fractured time, to be sure, but it's also a reminder that occasionally the urban experience can foster community rather than alienation." - Booklist
for Jonathan and His Mommy :
"The bond between mother and child is evident on every page, making this a great book for one-on-one sharing; the generous visual scope and delightful cadence also make it a wonderful group read-aloud."
- School Library Journal

"The combination of text and illustration is a true celebration of the love and security of family and neighborhood." - The Horn Book