Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--Robin and Poppy, a brother and sister, are part of a loving family. Growing sunflowers is one of many activities their close-knit family enjoys. When their parents divorce, a wave of emotions and reactions engulf the children in the process of grief and healing. While the parents comfort the children and help them adjust, Robin, the older child, deals with his emotions by talking with his friends and asking questions. Poppy, his younger sister, copes differently, through silence and not wanting her friends to know. The myriad responses are affirmed, and as the story progresses, the adjustment to a new life and family structure is made. Sunflowers are planted and grown at two houses and the children find that "one day at a time, everything is getting easier and lighter." The focus of the text, squarely on the experience of the children, allows readers to connect with and reflect their own feelings about changes that might be taking place in their lives, now or in the past. Digitally created illustrations capture the emotional journey; these brim with love and reassurance that whatever the children are experiencing is valid and accepted. The father has dark skin while the mother is white; the children present as biracial. A note for parents and caregivers written by two psychologists provides bibliotherapeutic guidance and support. VERDICT The focus on two children experiencing trauma provides an opening for young people to process and discuss their own shared experiences in a story that is clear and honest without being didactic.--John Scott
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Things change when Mommy and Daddy announce they'll be getting divorced. Poppy and Robin learn that the family will have two houses, one for Mommy and one for Daddy; they'll split their time between their parents. The siblings respond in different yet equally relatable ways. Poppy prefers to keep the news private, while Robin confides his worries to his friends. Both children have big, messy feelings that emerge at unexpected times. As the seasons pass, Poppy and Robin gradually adjust. After all, though Mommy and Daddy live apart, the children realize that they will always be a family. This is a quiet, thoughtful depiction of divorce, with parents who do an exceptional job of supporting their young children through a tough time. Sunflowers are a motif throughout. When Mommy and Daddy are together, the flowers sprout tall; after news of the divorce, they seem to wilt; and toward the end, the children plant sunflower seeds--a sign that the family's love will endure, no matter what. Appropriately warm, gentle digital illustrations employ late-summer and early-autumn colors and seem to be dusk-lit. Mommy has pale skin and straight hair, Daddy has medium brown skin and wavy hair, and Poppy and Robin both have light brown skin and their father's hair texture. Tender and empathetic--and a road map for families undergoing similar shifts. (a note for parents and caregivers, online resources, recommended reading)(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
