"Sometimes the answer is not clear, and that's
all right. My mother gives my hand a squeeze
and I feel like everything will be okay."
We meet the child narrator of this story on the first spread, surrounded by packed boxes, a huge suitcase, and other items ready to be moved. The child has questions. Mom, while packing, encourages that all concerns and questions be verbalized.
Children are uncertain about their future when a move from one place to another happens. Will they ever come back? Parents can reassure them by answering any question they might pose, as honestly as possible. That simply encourages the children to keep asking for answers to the questions they do have.
When the plane takes off, Mom seems quiet. When asked, she says she is 'not completely' okay either. A hug is needed by both. As the family begins to settle into their new country, there are still questions to be asked and answered. That's okay! They visit community sites and learn about things that are new to them. Attending a new school can be daunting; there is much to learn. Questions about friendship are answered with honesty. What about being different from your classmates?
"Sometimes the answer makes
me want to ask another question.
(And another, and another!)"
Helping children (and adults) learn to ask the questions they need answers for is a life lesson. The reassurance that comes with honest responses is vitally important to growth and understanding,
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