About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the daily transition of a parent leaving for work or any upcoming period of separation. It serves as a gentle anchor for children experiencing separation anxiety, providing a safe space to acknowledge the heavy feelings of goodbye while focusing on the joy of reunion. The story follows a young bear and his father through the emotional arc of a day, from the morning blues to the evening celebration. Author David Soman uses a classic, comforting aesthetic to normalize the big emotions that come with waiting. It is particularly appropriate for preschoolers and early elementary students who are still mastering the concept of time and the permanence of parental love. This is a beautiful choice for families who want to build a ritual around saying goodbye, reinforcing the idea that while Papa goes away, Papa always comes back.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
This book deals with separation anxiety in a secular and metaphorical way through animal characters. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on the cycle of leaving and returning rather than a permanent goodbye.
