This rhyming book follows a young child, her infant sibling, and their mommy as they travel by plane to meet the children’s mama in Japan, where her Navy ship is making port. Author Angela H. Dale’s rhymes are delightful and evocative, capturing images and moments along the journey. As mommy and the two children say goodbye to grandparents and get into a taxi, for example, we read:
One last hug
Strap and click
Airport, please.
Quick, quick, quick.
The jaunty words continue as we follow the family through the airport, into the security line, and onto the plane for the long journey, until the aircraft lands with the people “sleepy, slumpy, one and all.” When the family finally meets Mama’s ship pulling into port, we see families of many types welcoming loved ones, including what appear to be a two-man couple (though they could also be read as brothers).
Overall, though, there’s nothing LGBTQ specific about the story—the family could be any military family, which is wonderful. Dale does observe in an Author’s Note, however, that on September 20, 2011, “for the first time, gay and lesbian sailors could participate” in Navy homecoming traditions.
Daniel Wiseman’s bright illustrations add fun details to the story. Together, the words and images make what could seem like a tedious journey feel lively and exciting. Young travelers will likely enjoy recognizing moments they’ve experienced or are about to encounter. This recommended book should be a welcome read for any military family having to travel to be together, and might even find fans among non-military families traveling by plane for other reasons.
Mommy reads as White and Mama as Black; the children have light brown skin and dark hair.
