PreSchool-Grade 2–This story alternates between the point of view of a young girl at home and that of her mother, who's been away on business for a week. As they describe their individual activities, they both express their excitement that they will soon be together again. What makes this book satisfying is its thoughtful, well-defined structure as the author presents parallels in the actions of the two characters. When the girl is busy with her play-group friends building tall buildings and an airport out of blocks, her mother is looking out the plane window where skyscrapers and highways diminish to the size of toys. As the youngster takes a nap, so too the woman drifts off to sleep to the plane's constant rumble. The typeface is distinct to each speaker. The gouache illustrations focus on the characters with just enough detail to define each changing scene. The pictures are bold and immediate but at the same time exude great warmth. Featuring a loving and supportive family, this title will provide comfort to readers who are faced with separation from a parent.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
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PreS-Gr. 2. "Mommy comes home today!" As a little girl eagerly awaits her mother's return from a week away on business, alternating first-person voices of the child and Mommy express their feelings and anticipation. Daddy, evidently a house-husband, plays with the child, fixes her lunch, reassures her, and answers her questions: "Is that Mommy's plane?" Side-by-side images capture emotions and time-filling activities: the girl decorates invitations for her birthday party to show her mom; Mom uses her laptop on the airplane to finish her reports; both take naps. This is a realistic snapshot of a now-common family situation, with soft, bright gouache illustrations that expressively convey the sentiments. Use this comforting, reassuring portrayal to update Carolyn's Bauer's My Mom Travels a Lot (1981). Julie Cummins
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