Let's Go See Papá! - by Lawrence Schimel (Paperback)

About the Book

Previously published: Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2011.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

...completely original...-- "The Horn Book Magazine"

...readers...will admire the heroine's stoicism and faith in the importance of having her family whole again.-- "Publisher's Weekly"

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"

Readers will enjoy deciphering the various visual elements...its themes are relevant to all children.-- "Kirkus"

...honest and compelling text...Highly Recommended.--Katie Edwards "CM Magazine"

The feelings of missing a loved one are realistically conveyed and will resonate with children.--Linda Ludke "School Library Journal"

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.--Professor Yanna Van Der Meulen Rodgers "Rutgers"