On the Day His Daddy Left (Albert Whitman Prairie Books) [Paperback]

Eric J. Adams (Author), Kathleen Adams (Author), Layne Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000 | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Albert Whitman Prairie Books

Like many children, Danny is afraid his parents' divorce is his fault. So on the day his daddy leaves, Danny writes a secret question on a slip of paper: Is it my fault? He shows the question to his teacher, his friend, and his dad and mom.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Danny's father is moving out. Throughout the appointed day, the anxious child looks at a secret question he has written down and shows it to his teacher, a friend, his father, and his mother. The adults, in turn, reassure him that the answer to his question, "Is it my fault?" is "A BIG NO." His parents admit that the situation is not perfect, but explain that they will work through it and answer any questions that Danny might have. As time passes, and he has time to become accustomed to the situation, he becomes less concerned with his secret question. The realistic, full-color illustrations subtly capture the characters' emotions. An honest, soothing treatment of a situation faced by many children.
Susan Marie Pitard, Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"In a straightforward manner, the authors deal with a very common feeling that children of divorced and divorcing parents have."

Kirkus Reviews

"An honest, soothing treatment of a situation faced by many children."

School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807560731
• ISBN-13: 978-0807560730
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,311,392 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Balance of Realism and Sensitivity, September 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Day His Daddy Left (Hardcover)

What a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and counselors! I have not seen a better book for younger children on the pain and confusion of divorce. The text is clear and compelling, and easy to understand without being "written down" to its audience. The question "Whose fault is it?" is one that many children struggle with, and the authors treat the issue in a way that is caring and reassuring, yet very realistic. Beautifully illustrated, it speaks to children who are experiencing divorce as well as those who want to understand what their friends or relatives are feeling. Family therapists should also really appreciate this book. Great job!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for every child experiencing divorce!, October 26, 2005

By 

D. Wright (Humble, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Day His Daddy Left (Albert Whitman Prairie Books) (Paperback)

I wish a book like this had been available when I experienced divorce as a child. The text pulls the reader in as they wonder what the question written on Danny's piece of paper could be? Near the conclusion of the book we discover Danny is wondering "Is it my fault?", a question that torments many children during a divorce. The art is masterfully done with compelling facial expressions, making this a must have for libraries and counselors.

5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-touching, powerful, and highly recommended story, June 19, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Day His Daddy Left (Albert Whitman Prairie Books) (Paperback)

On The Day His Daddy Left is a very moving picture book about the sensitive subject of divorce by Eric and Kathleen Adams. A young boy must come to terms with the day his father leaves the house. He must become used to seeing his father only at certain times of the week, and a question wracks him - "Is it my fault?" A heart-touching, powerful, and highly recommended story about adjusting to traumatic change, On The Day His Daddy Left is realistically illustrated by the artwork of Layne Johnson and an important addition to school library, community library, and family counseling collections.