This fantastic book manages to instruct on so many different levels. It is the best book about divorce for younger children that I have come across. Children’s feelings are predominant through the entire picture book, which has five chapters (but less than 60 pages). There is enough to talk about that one might choose to read it to a child one chapter at a time, so that essential discussion can take place. The through line of the story follows Emily, a budding artist, as she discovers Picasso and learns of his art and life. There are lessons to be learned about art, history and life. Emily and her younger brother have differing reactions to their parent’s divorce and we see how the brother acts out in frustration, while Emily delves deeper into her own art. Emily’s parents are both loving and involved in their kid’s lives as they all try and navigate into new territory. This important book is difficult to choose an age for, as it is meant to be experienced by whatever age child might need it. Most 7 & 8 year olds would be able to read it by themselves.
Review by Amanda Crafts