'This Christmas tale of belief in the goodness of people is a timeless message' The Bookseller
'The text is much longer than that usually found in picture books, making it best suited for children who are on the cusp of reading for themselves and beyond. However, such are the quality of the writing and the beauty of the pictures that younger children will be engaged for longer than they might otherwise have been. It's a Shirley Hughes book that is as much of a must-read as you would expect; is there really anything else you need to know? Highly recommended.' The Bookbag.co.uk
'For those who want a book that directly alludes to Christmas, there is one outstanding contender… it is, in its sympathetic way, a social history and a marvellous evocation of the period.' The Observer
'Belongs in every child’s picture book library…a beautifully drawn tale of tolerance and kindly neighbours set in 1930’s Liverpool.' The Sunday Times
'Hughes catches so beautifully the harshness of the daily grind, the comfort of religion and simple pleasures of food, the weekly bathtime and children’s games. Ultimately though, this is a story about the futility of sectarianism, when a “Christmas ghostie” finally melts the ice between this Welsh Methodist family and their Roman Catholic neighbours.' The Herald
'Those who hanker for a traditional festive story will love (this)…Like so many of her books, the highlight is the simple but vivid illustrations of curly-haired boys and girls eating their tea and washing clothes by hand.' Evening Standard
'A delightful snapshot of an era of tin baths and washing coppers and would make a great read for elderly grandparents to share with primary age children.' Daily Mail