Papa's Home

PreS-K--A delectable story featuring a bear family of Papa, his preschool age son, and Aunt Jessie. Soman (Ladybug Girl, Three Bears in a Boat) tells the story in a simple dialogue between Papa and son over the course of two days. The two spend the first day making waffles, going to the park, and on through dinner, a bath, and bedtime stories, all the while preparing for tomorrow--the day Aunt Jessie will come to take care of the little bear when Papa is away. With gentle reassurances and through plenty of developmentally typical questions and answers, Papa promises that all will be well when he's gone "because Aunt Jessie loves you." A full palette of watercolor tones enhanced with pen-and-ink detail adds depth to the soothing mood of the story. Text color alternates between forest green and periwinkle to indicate father/son dialogue. The little bear's day with Aunt Jessie is recounted on a wordless spread comprised of eight individual pictures. With an eye toward realistic and sometimes humorous detail, this book will soothe parents and children facing uncertainties about separation. VERDICT Reminiscent of David McPhail's work, but with contemporary sensibilities, this charming and generous book belongs in any collection serving younger readers and their parents.--Lynn Van Auken

Parting from a parent is hard, even when it happens with notice. In this reassuring story, Soman (the Ladybug Girl series) presents an adult bear who handles his cub's separation anxiety with practiced calm. "Papa? Are you still going away tomorrow?" the cub asks. "I am," Papa says, "but I'll be back before you know it." "And Aunt Jessie will be with me?" "The whole time," says Papa, helping the cub get dressed for a day out. Papa stays unruffled throughout his child's many queries, never growing frustrated (when the cub threatens to run away if Aunt Jessie insists that they wear an old pair of boots, Papa murmurs, "In those boots?"), reminding the cub of positive past experiences with Aunt Jessie ("She gave you baths when you were very little"), and exchanging a litany of assurances before bed ("Will you miss me?" "So, so much!"). The separation itself is conveyed without words, in small vignettes showing that Aunt Jessie's caregiving time passes quickly before Papa returns, just as he said he would. Sometimes loved ones can't be together: Papa has faith that all will be well, and meets his child's anxiety with dependability and love. Ages 3-6. Agent: Doug Stewart, Sterling Lord Literistic. (May)