The Long Ride Home by Stephanie Graegin
Published by Random House Studio on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593426029
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This is a story about missing a friend. As an adult reader, it’s hard to know if the friend has died or moved until the last page. The main koala character misses her friend. She sees things all around that remind her of things they used to do together, places they used to go, and the fun they used to have. She wonders about what her friend is doing now and if she’s thinking about her as well. The digitally rendered illustrations strongly resemble colored pencil drawings and show the longing that koala is feeling for her friend. They complete the story by showing the things the two friends used to enjoy together. This is definitely a book for one-on-one sharing with kids who are missing someone they love. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME