Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?

August 1, 2016

K-Gr 3-This therapeutic book on parental death contains precise language and playful cartoon illustrations that add some levity to the somber topic. The mother-and-son authors experienced firsthand the loss of their husband and father, respectively. When Alex was three years old, he went on an overnight camping trip with his dad, who died suddenly without any prior indication of illness. Witnessing this event was traumatic for Alex, but as a now 10-year-old kid, he successfully re-creates the voice of his younger self and relates the way that his mother helped him. "Where is Daddy?" "Why won't he come back?" and "Is his leaving my fault?" are just some of the questions Alex poses-and certainly the kind of questions most children would ask. His mother answers each one patiently and truthfully. The text and illustrations convey the important role of relatives, friends, and teachers who provide comfort and support. The Barbers establish the theme of acceptance while acknowledging the lasting impact of death. VERDICT Comprehending the death of a parent is difficult for anyone to grasp; children directly affected by such a tragedy will benefit from the simple and concrete explanations offered in this book.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

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