Johnathan Emmett writes a story that skillfully and poetically develops the world of loving play from a child's perspective. Kids will understand Littletail when she realizes she can't run as fast as her father; they know how she feels when she can't hide well enough that he can't find her. However, they also will understand why she feels so proud when she can crawl into some small spaces her father can't fit. And, kids will definitely understand when Longtail says he will love her "always and forever."

The watercolor illustrations by Daniel Howarth build on the tone that Emmett creates. By painting expressive faces full of joy, realistic backgrounds complete with beetles and caterpillars, and greenery and soil so rich that they almost smell like the damp forest, he helps create this story that is fun, insightful, and sensitive.