“The book’s pictures and words intertwine into an empathetic and quietly profound portrait of a child’s emotional struggles.”

“This one is powerful, y’all. This one is powerful.”

“Recognizing and understanding depression can be hard, and Lazowski and Neville-Lee don’t shy away from the challenge, giving the readers an important toolset they will be able to use for life.“

“Dark Cloud fits within a broader movement to improve and increase diversity and representation in picture books, so more kids can see themselves in them. Representation need not be limited to physical appearance, Lazowski points out. It’s valuable for kids to see their feelings reflected on the page as well.”

“The quiet message of hope and unconditional support is what sets this book apart, giving children and their families a way to help their loved ones without adding to their struggle.”

“With tinted grayscale illustrations representing sad moments and bright colors showing moments of happiness and understanding, Dark Cloud provides a unique format for parents and children to discuss these hard-to-deal-with feelings.”

“Anna Lazowski has created a gentle and comforting book that explores sadness and depression in a way that supports readers.”

“Sensitive and inspiring. Bravo!”

“It is a powerful book with so much scope for supporting our young people in the classroom. It really is exquisite, with its dazzling illustrations almost promising a sense of hope.”

“For little ones who lament all the things they can't do, Anna Lazowski reassures them that they are keeping good company with so many members of the animal kingdom.”

“From bees (not) riding bikes to cheetahs (not) chewing bubble gum, all kinds of things are even tougher for critters than they are for rookie humans.”

“Combining animals, humor, and social-emotional learning, this ridiculously funny alphabet book is ideal for back-to-school when preschoolers and kindergarteners are learning new skills.”

“Preschoolers can learn their letters while appreciating their own abilities to acquire and practice new skills.”

“Jokes about T. Rexes and their tiny arms never get old. This silly story will have kids in stitches as they read about animals who can’t do many of the fun and exciting things humans take for granted.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and at least four preschoolers of my acquaintance will be receiving it as a holiday gift. An excellent read-aloud choice.”

“We love the twist of having different animals do things that they wouldn’t be able to do. The play on the letters is brilliant! The book offers a great bonus as it explains some of the amazing things these animals CAN do, adding inspiration from the world of wildlife.”

“Winnipegger catches eye of editor of one of the world's largest publishing houses - and gets first book published.”

“Uplifting advice — with a hint of humor — isn’t always easy to come by, but these picture books offer reassuring help to the lonely and frustrated.”

“This is an alphabet book that can be appreciated by grown-ups as well as young readers, with lots of potential discussion points. The illustrations of animals in ridiculous situations are so SOOOOO FUN.”

“Bright colors, rhyming text, and silly animal illustrations make T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes a delightful alphabet book about all the things animals are unable to do.”

“I've always loved books that walk the line between light and darkness. I have a deep fondness for weird kids and strange situations so I'd love to delve into that a bit more.”

“Do you like alphabet books? They can be pretty hit or miss, but this one makes me giggle. The illustrations are funny (that cheetah in bubble gum? How do you even draw that?) and I appreciate the choice to bold the letter of that page’s alliteration, so that it stands out.”

“It is magical how books from our childhood can stick with us. And your T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES is the perfect type of book to accomplish this same magic. I think part of many authors' motivation when writing is to create books that will have this same impact on others.”

“First line: If you're still a bit small, it is no fun at all when you can't reach a shelf or get dressed by yourself. Elements used: engages the reader and hints at the universal theme of being too small to do what you want.”

“This is such an adorable picture book! Reading this book encourages children that they too can complete a challenge with patience!”

“You definitely want to check out this adorable and funny picture book about ABCs. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the laughter and fun illustrations! I personally love the hilarious image of a bee trying to ride a bicycle and the laughter just goes on from there!”

“You can never have too many kindergarten alphabet books, and this silly one will have kids giggling. Sure, horses can’t play hopscotch, and raccoons definitely can’t ride roller coasters, but trying out new things is still tons of fun!”

T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes was included on Kid Content Now’s list: 12 Delightful Picture Books Debuting in 2021.

Tundra Books included T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes in a list of “dino-myte reads” to celebrate National Dinosaur Day.

T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes was included in CBC Books’ list: 65 Canadian picture books to check out in spring 2021.

T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes was included in Publishers Weekly’s Spring 2021 Children's Sneak Previews list.

Author Tammi Sauer included T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes in a blog post: 21 Picture Books I’m Looking Forward to in ’21!

“The text rolls right off the tongue, and the expressions that Steph has managed to capture in the illustrations will keep you coming back.”

“This book is both a funny story that will be reread many times, as well as an instructional tool teachers will love as it helps aid a “growth mindset.” Seriously! Have you ever seen a book use “can’t” so many times while it’s actually teaching “go ahead and try it”? It’s a fantastic idea.

“T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes was the first picture book I ever wrote, and I almost stopped querying it because of early rejections and resounding advice that your first book won’t be good enough. If you like a story, don’t give up on it!”

“I love the way this book can help children to manage feelings around difficult tasks. There’s so much children are learning!”