About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is preparing for a rare visit from a long-distance father or when a child seems to be fabricating 'cool' stories about an absent parent to fit in at school. It is a gentle, grounding story for children living in single-parent homes who feel the weight of being 'different' from their peers. Molly's father lives far away, leading her to create a grand, imaginary version of him for her classmates. When he finally visits, the book explores the transition from the 'fantasy dad' to the real man who happens to share her quirky traits. This is an ideal choice for children ages 4 to 8, providing a realistic yet comforting look at bridging the gap between longing and reality. It helps normalize the awkwardness of reunions and the joy of finding common ground in the small, everyday moments.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with parental absence and single-parent households. The approach is direct and secular. It avoids explaining 'why' the father is away, focusing instead on the child's emotional experience. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: they don't move back together, but they form a genuine bond.
