"This story about the arrival of a new sibling, and the overarching concern of a loving family, will reassure young readers. Set in an African village, the colourful illustrations emphasize the unfamiliar physical environment, while the quest theme achieves the timelessness of an ethnic myth."- Booktrust

"The beautiful blend of the traditional storytelling pattern and contemporary realism is expressed in Littlewood's double-page spreads." - Booklist

"The story will be a reassuring one for children who are about to experience the arrival of a new sibling, but it can undoubtedly be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages for its heart-warming and beautifully told story of love and emotional warmth. "- Write Away

"The language of the writing is also rich and deep, creating a believable world where lions can give advice to small children and there is a certain safety to the wildness of the world." -Tasha Saecker- Kids Lit

"This lovely book would be an excellent introduction to a discussion of other cultures or the birth of a sibling." -School Library Journal

"Ideal for primary age." -The Bookseller

"...Littlewood's pictures soar." -Publishing Weekly

"This would make an superb present for a family with a new baby to celebrate."-Armadillo

"The book lends itself to reading aloud with a group and the large colourful illustrations command attention."- Reading Time (Quarterly Journal of The Children's Book Council of Australia)

"Ama wants to know where she can find an important gift called love to give to her new baby brother. In the African night she finds the answer in her family. A lovely read with great illustrations." - Lottie Age 7 Betty Bookmark

"This is ultimately a tale of hope, but also one of struggle, courage and endurance, qualities warmly conveyed by the co-operation of words and pictures." - Books for Keeps

"This is a remarkably beautiful picture story book. The quietly poetic nature of the prose is magically enhanced by the brilliantly atmospheric and quietly moving illustrations. As with all the best of books for young children, it has the power to speak loudly to readers right across the human age range". - School Librarian".

"A beautifully written story that is poetic and descriptive… Lila and the Secret of Rain is a wonderfully simple and realistic way of conveying to children how water is as vital to our lives as it is to a Kenyan village, where water is life."- INIS

"Set in Kenya with beautiful illustrations that have a sparse, descriptive elegance and a text that is simple and lyrical." - CMIS

"...Jude Daly’s evocative illustrations give a real feel for the unrelenting African sun"-Book of the Month LCC

"In its elegantly understated way, this book gets to the heart of the ongoing struggle of man against nature, and the power of one child's belief that she can make a difference."-

"...this is a beautifully illustrated tale that will easily serve as an introduction to the importance of water and a catalyst for discussion of water shortages in Africa."-Kirkus Reviews

"This is a beautifully illustrated and simple book."-

"Conway has created a charming small story, where the paraphernalia of modern life (multi-storey buildings and torches) are essential items in what is essentially a twenty-first century version of a generic folktale. Kolanovic’s pastel illustrations add immeasurably to the whole, with wide snowy street scenes populated by quirky dogs, cats and children and an enormous, imprecise and endless sky. A classic in the making?"-

"The book is intended for the three to five year old age group, but I'd think that anyone with a soul would love it, whatever their age....It's just a wonderful, wonderful book."-

" A superb picture book..."- School Librarian

"A heartwarming story, beautifully illustrated for children in early and middle years."- Riverbend Books