“The prolific Steig keeps the Dark Ages light with his penchant for non sequiturs and colorful if challenging words (such as "alackaday" and "transmogrification"). Watercolors of chunky wooden furniture, heavy eating utensils and knee-length tunics set the tone for this costume comedy.” —Publishers Weekly

“Steig's amusing drawings and bright watercolor washes are rich in detail and his cartoon style is further enlivened by bright purple borders on each page. Readers will delight in Steig's droll expressions, both visual and verbal, but the subtle lesson about brotherly love will not be lost amid the comic goings-on.” —School Library Journal

“Steig embellishes his always rich vocabulary with medieval words to delightful effect and decorates his artwork with rich hues and purple borders.” —Booklist

“... another satisfying tale that is also a gentle vehicle for helping children to understand a range of sometimes subtle psychological and ethical issues.” —The New York Times Book Review

“Sure to be adored by all younger siblings.” —Parent's Choice

“Not at all didactic, this is a clever, amusing story.” —Children's Literature