Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids await their papa's return in cute queer family tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
PAPA'S COMING HOME begins with a twin brother and sister brainstorming about what they can do to welcome home Papa, who's been away for a week on a trip. They come up with a variety of things to greet Papa with at the airport in a little while: They make signs, create a bouquet from flowers from the garden, even ask Daddy to help them bake him "a seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting." Then they start grabbing some of Papa's favorite things, from books to his bicycle to his robe and slippers, and cram them in the car along with all the other stuff, as well as Butter the dog. They have a warm reunion inside the terminal, and then when they get to the car, there's "only one last problem: Where is Papa going to sit?"
Is It Any Good?
This cute story of missing and reuniting with a parent shows a specific family with two dads and reflects a universal experience of anxious anticipation and love. Papa's Coming Home celebrates a diverse family where the kids have brown skin and their two dads are White, and portrays creative ways to show someone you love them. The array of items they take in the car for the airport run may be far-fetched—like a seven-layer cake, a bicycle, and a bunch of books—but it's all in good fun and reflects how well the kids know their Papa. Illustrator Dan Taylor's cheery cartoon-like digital art helps keep the vibe light and fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the two kids' creative choices as they await their father's return in Papa's Coming Home. What might you make to take with you if you were greeting your parent at the airport?
Brother and sister Jojo and Rosie work together to make a colorful, glittery welcome-home sign for Papa. Why is teamwork an important character strength?
The kids in the story know all of Papa's favorite things. Can you name the things your parent or caregiver likes best?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Taylor
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : May 20, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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