Here and There

Ivan is adjusting to life after his parents’ divorce, and his father’s new home feels unfamiliar and strange: “Ivan wanted to stay Here (his mama’s house), but he had to go There (his dad’s new house).” His dad, whose tattoo features Ivan’s name, tries to get the normally vivacious boy to come out of his shell by pulling out his guitar. Happily, Ivan, who is biracial (his mother is brown skinned, his father is white), is soon singing along. His dad explains that he “started the tune before he moved” and continued to work on it after, emphasizing that their moments of joy, as carried through music, keep them connected regardless of big life changes. Collage images are full of lively details: birds perch on the windowsills, and cheery plants and flowers grow in and around both homes. No divorce comes without adjustment, the book indicates, but, given time, separate homes need not feel so separate. Ages 3–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]