About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the quiet, heavy weight of a long absence, particularly a parent missing due to military service or other uncontrollable circumstances. It is a sanctuary for the child who feels like they must be invisible or 'good' while waiting for life to begin again. The story follows Marta, a young girl living in a grand hotel with her hardworking mother while they wait for news of her father, a soldier missing in action. Through a series of mysterious stories told by a guest at the hotel, the book explores how we use imagination and narrative to process grief and maintain hope. Kate DiCamillo's prose is lyrical yet accessible, making this an ideal choice for sensitive readers aged 7 to 11. It provides a gentle framework for discussing the complex feelings of longing and the uncertainty of waiting, ultimately validating a child's need for truth and connection.
