"A serious illness is given a lighthearted and encouraging treatment as a young boy relates how his mother is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. ...Kono's watercolor illustrations convey a blithe touch and reflect the warm relationship between mom and son. This positive and upbeat approach to coping with cancer will be a welcome addition—younger than, but complimentary to Patricia Polacco's The Lemonade Club (2007)."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"Narrated by a little boy whose mother has cancer, or what he calls “alien blobs inside her," Punk Wig features a family who gets through a tough time with flying colors. ... Ries tells the story with a light touch, leavening a scary subject with comic relief (mother and son trying on funny hairpieces before they decide upon Punk Wig). In the spring, Mom gets the results of her tests and offers her son a wonderful punk wig, which he proudly sports on the last page. [A]ppealing watercolors... "
     —Booklist

"Dealing with cancer is not easy for any family, but this book is one resource to help a child cope with a parent's illness."
     —Library Media Connection