About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the deep, quiet ache of a family member's long-term absence, particularly due to military service. Set against the backdrop of the Peninsular War, this story centers on the Oliver family, London bakers who find themselves fractured when Polly runs off to find her soldier sweetheart. It is a beautiful exploration of how a community can channel their anxiety and grief into a massive, creative project to show their love. While the historical setting provides a safe distance for exploring these big emotions, the feelings of longing and the need for connection are universal. Best suited for middle-grade readers, the story emphasizes that even when we are physically separated, the bonds of family and the work of our hands can keep us tethered to one another. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the difficulty of waiting and the power of communal resilience.
