Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)
"Children will be delighted at Little Barbarian's continued calm expression, even when he and his trusty horse are gliding above a group of spear-wielding cyclops. The art contains plentiful negative space around the well-crafted threats, allowing viewers to giggle nervously but not worry about any real danger. . . . Funny and enlightening. Inspired pictures will, in turn, inspire wide-eyed conversations."

Publishers Weekly (STARRED review)
"Moriconi’s simple, even wise, adventure salutes the power of a child’s imagination, which unspools endless visions of danger, courage, desperate rescue, and victory. "

— Booklist
"An epic journey of wild imagination. . . . Moriconi's clever book plays upon the immersive nature of imagination, showing how completely it can transform simple activities into the most incredible adventures."

Wall Street Journal
"In Renato Moriconi’s delicate watercolor illustrations, our hero sees off such dread opponents as cyclopes brandishing spears and cloud demons shooting lightning. He sails over nests of vipers and beds of carnivorous plants, eluding the hungry teeth of manticores, dragons and sea serpents, and never does his sword drop or his steed falter or his face betray the slightest fear. Is there any creature that can daunt the brave barbarian? There is, and children ages 3–5 may feel an empathetic pang at the surprise ending that answers the question in this witty, wordless picture book."