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Informing and comforting children who have a loved one in prison
In this sensitive story, Tommy Puddle returns from school one day to find out that his Dad isn’t at home – and nobody will tell him why his Dad isn’t around. The next day at school, though, one of his schoolfriends tells him they’ve heard his Dad’s in prison – and later, he finally learns the truth. Soon Tommy and his sister receive a letter from their Dad, and find out that they can visit him. It’s difficult for everyone, particularly when it’s time for them to leave – but Tommy’s Dad helps reassure the children that everything will be alright. The book doesn’t end with Tommy’s Dad coming home – instead it ends showing Tommy really excited to see his Dad again, and drawing pictures to send to him in prison. This book deals not only with how Tommy feels as he tries to understand what’s happened to his Dad and come to terms with the fact that he’s gone away, but also with how it can be difficult for adults to break painful news to children.
