The little girl in this story likes Sundays best of all -- it’s the day her father calls. She hasn’t seen him for over a year because he works far away across the ocean in the United States. She writes in her notebook every day, keeping a record of everything that happens to share with him when she finally sees him again. Then one Sunday her father asks if she and her mother would like to join him, and she’s surprised by her mixed feelings. It means leaving her grandmother, her friends … and her dog, Kika, behind.
This is a powerful story from a young child’s perspective about what it’s like to have an absent parent and to have to leave your home, country and those you love for a new life.
The little girl in this story likes Sundays best of all -- it’s the day her father calls. She hasn’t seen him for over a year because he works far away across the ocean in the United States. She writes in her notebook every day, keeping a record of everything that happens to share with him when she finally sees him again. Then one Sunday her father asks if she and her mother would like to join him, and she’s surprised by her mixed feelings. It means leaving her grandmother, her friends … and her dog, Kika, behind.
This is a powerful story from a young child’s perspective about what it’s like to have an absent parent and to have to leave your home, country and those you love for a new life.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Nov 15, 2011 |
| Specifications | 48 pages | 8.5 in x 8 in |
| Keywords | Realistic illustrations; moving to America; separation; missing home; leaving home; Moving away from home; missing your parents; missing your father; appreciating family; when you have to move away; Children separated from parents; immigrant struggles; immigrant problems; away from family; absent parents; Picture books; translated books; fiction; set in latin America; immigration; |
| Written By | Lawrence Schimel is a poet, novelist, translator and essay writer. He lives in Madrid, Spain. |
| Illustrated by | Alba Marina Rivera is an award-winning illustrator who lives in Barcelona, Spain. Visit Alba Marina Rivera's website: http://albamarinarivera.com/ |
| Written By |
| Lawrence Schimel is a poet, novelist, translator and essay writer. He lives in Madrid, Spain. |
| Illustrated by |
| Alba Marina Rivera is an award-winning illustrator who lives in Barcelona, Spain. Visit Alba Marina Rivera's website: http://albamarinarivera.com/ |
| Audience | ages 4 to 7 / grades P to 2 |
| Reading Levels | Lexile AD500L |
“The story provides parents and teachers a different context for talking with young learners about paid jobs, the labor that goes into caring for family members, and the costs of giving up time with family in order to spend time working away from home.” —Rutgers
“Readers will enjoy deciphering the various visual elements...its themes are relevant to all children.” —Kirkus
“...readers...will admire the heroine’s stoicism and faith in the importance of having her family whole again.” —Publisher's Weekly
“The feelings of missing a loved one are realistically conveyed and will resonate with children.” —School Library Journal
“...honest and compelling text...Highly Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“...completely original...” —The Horn Book Magazine
“Most youngsters will understand the daunting prospect of a big move . . . and listeners may find the girl's emotional growth both familiar and reassuring.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books