"Through realistic and expressive watercolor illustrations, readers journey with an embryo on the banks of the Pacific Northwest's Duwamish River to adulthood in the Pacific Ocean and back. . . enough interesting facts here to delight most nature or animal lovers. Chen includes a panel of facts and terms in the back for those hungry for more. VERDICT A recommended purchase wherever animal books are extremely popular."

"[An] eye-opening picture book. . . Concise narration paints a spare but incredible scientific story; watercolors have the translucent feel of sun prints, even as they offer realistic renderings of watery settings."-- "Publishers Weekly" (8/7/2025 12:00:00 AM)

​● A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection--JLG (8/14/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"With its vibrant, immersive illustrations and fact-filled, fascinating story of one fish's life, Annie Chen gives us a wondrous gift -- a newfound love and appreciation for the resilient Coho salmon." --Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann Sibert Medalists, "Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifora". (8/27/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Beautifully illustrated, with color and design that communicate place, time, and character. [Salmon Run features] an effective design that captures the drama of the moment and solves the scale problem. . . Chen navigates egg to estuary beautifully, with color that supports the scientific information."