DADDY'S CHAIR

Grieving for his father, who has just died of cancer, Michael defends Daddy's chair from all comers. Understanding relatives gradually get him to allow temporary occupancy: his big brother may sit there while he plays chess with Michael, as Daddy did; an aunt is willing to share some of the stories Daddy told; Mommy promises to hug Michael, like Daddy did, when they watch TV together in the chair. Meanwhile, Mommy has also explained sitting shiva. With dignified simplicity—nicely reflected in Haas's eloquent monochromatic watercolors—the story conveys the family's traditions and their loving support of one another. A good addition to the literature about grief. (Picture book. 4-8)