About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a temporary separation from a primary caregiver, such as a business trip, a family emergency, or a hospital stay. It is a gentle chapter book that validates the quiet ache of missing someone while focusing on the empowerment found in daily routines and new responsibilities. When Tessie's mother leaves for three weeks, Tessie and her father must navigate a shift in their household dynamic, centered around the arrival of a tiny kitten named Mouse. This story beautifully captures the way caring for another creature can help a child process their own feelings of vulnerability. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children (ages 6 to 9) who are ready for a multi-chapter narrative but still need the comfort of a safe, realistic resolution. By the end, Tessie discovers that while missing Mom is hard, she is capable, loved, and strong enough to handle the wait.
