Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood (authors of "I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide") said that it is "a terrific episode". They thought it was nice to see Bart younger. Robert Canning from IGN said that the episode is "very funny" and that it is "loaded with "Simpson" heart." Stephen Becker from "The Dallas Morning News" thought that the 9th season has a "special affinity for Lisa". He thought this after seeing this episode, "Das Bus", and "Lisa the Simpson". "The San Diego Union-Tribune" said that this episode, "All Singing, All Dancing", and "Trash of the Titans" are memorable episodes of the show. 