Back Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlene Elizabeth Casimir, Ken Daley
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536223204
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This book is Arlene Elizabeth Casimir’s love letter to her immigrant parents, and in particular, their stories of “Back Home” or “Lakay”. The book follows Lune, who loves to hear her father’s stories about Haiti – so much so that she will wait up for her father to catch him in-between late night work shifts just to hear another one. Lune dreams of Haiti, a place that she has never been, but carries such significance to her family. By the end of the book, Lune learns that there is also value to her own unique story, and that she can be a storyteller as well. Ken Daley’s illustrations are lush, vibrant, and gorgeous – merging Lune’s life in America with her father’s stories from “Back Home”. The text includes words in Haitian Creole, including a glossary at the end. This diverse story is a great addition to any picture book collection, especially representing the lives of immigrants and their children. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell