PAPA'S HOME

What will happen while Papa is away?

A father bear and his young cub are going to be separated for a short time—Papa is going away, and Aunt Jessie is coming to stay. The cub has many questions. What if Aunt Jessie insists that the cub wear their detested yellow boots? What if she makes bologna pancakes? Does she know how to give baths? Will she read bedtime books? And will she tuck the cub in? Papa is happy to discuss all these things and, throughout the story, points out how the cub is growing up. This charming tale provides comforting answers to the cub’s many questions, all the while showcasing the affectionate relationship between an apparently single father and his child (the cub is not gendered, and no other parent is mentioned). Appealing illustrations make lovely use of crosshatching and glow with warmth. The visuals depict the many things that Papa and child do together over the course of the day, from eating breakfast to visiting the park to getting ready for bed. Though Papa’s departure is never depicted, by book’s end, the little one is prepared for it. Young children will see themselves and their caretakers in this story and will realize that while being apart may bring on anxiety, worries can be addressed and fun can still be had. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A cozy, reassuring tale certain to soothe little ones grappling with separation anxiety.