Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Twins Rosie and Jojo and their daddy eagerly await Papa's return home in Buttigieg and Taylor's amiable picture book. As the children, portrayed with brown skin, anticipate leaving for the airport to pick up Papa, they overzealously prepare, feeling that "I think we might be missing something." Not content with festooning a handmade welcome sign in glitter, the pair pick a bouquet, then bake a many-layered chocolate cake. The ideas keep coming even when it's time to go, and the car is soon stuffed with Papa's favorite things. Cool coloring and contemporary settings help Taylor's slick digital artwork capture the happy chaos of family life in this satisfying work that ends with a joyful reunion. The children's dads are portrayed with pale skin; background characters have various skin tones. Ages 3--7. (May)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Daddy, Rosie, and Jojo are excited to meet Papa at the airport after his long trip. They load the car with everything Papa might want, from a big glittery sign to a cake to his bicycle to the dog. Of course, while Papa appreciates everything they brought, he is just glad to see them. Digital illustrations bursting with color highlight the delightful chaos of life with toddlers and celebrate the love in a family obviously inspired by the author's own. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary. The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make "welcome home" signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a "seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting." Much to Daddy's bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa's favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house ("Papa's Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch"). Like the author's actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white. An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
