Milly's parent airport by Rachel Brace. Illus. by Angela Perrini

Author Rachel Brace is a psychologist who has written two earlier picture books, Max's Divorce Earthquake and Harriet's Expanding Heart. Her latest picture book looks at a young child Milly who transitions between two homes as her parents are divorced. In order to ease the anxiety of the changeover, Milly likens it to an airport. She is packed ready to go, family to say goodbye to, suffering slight anxiety over the journey and what to expect on arrival, and finally arrives at her destination with even more family members to welcome her.  It takes a little bit of time to settle in but soon Milly feels relaxed in her thoughts and ready to feel comfortable.

This is a gentle story thoughtfully constructed and complemented by delightful full colour illustrations. For those young children who struggle with the change in regular living arrangements, this will be a valuable book to share and talk through with a trusted adult.  In the final pages are some worthwhile tips for parents and carers.

Themes: Family, Divorce, Separation, Transition, Two Homes.

Kathryn Beilby