
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the physical or emotional distance of a loved one, especially during a military deployment. It beautifully addresses the confusing feeling of how someone so important can seem to 'disappear' or become 'small' when they are far away. Through a gentle lesson on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Janie learns that distance is just a secret of the world and not a reflection of love. Set during World War II, this story captures the quiet patience of waiting and the power of perspective. It is perfect for children aged 4 to 8 who are experiencing a long separation from a parent. Jane Yolen provides a comforting framework for parents to discuss big transitions, making the abstract concept of distance feel manageable and hopeful.
The book deals with parental deployment and wartime separation. The approach is realistic but gentle, focusing on the child's internal logic rather than the dangers of combat. The resolution is hopeful and joyful, as the father returns home safely.
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Sign in to write a reviewA preschooler or early elementary student who is missing a parent due to travel, military service, or even incarceration, and needs a metaphor to bridge the physical gap between them.
This book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to explain that the story takes place a long time ago (WWII) to provide context for the length of the separation. The moment the father leaves and Janie's realization that he is 'shrinking' as he walks away can be quite moving for parents who feel the guilt of being away.
Younger children will focus on the magic of the 'secret' and the visual of the ships. Older children (7-8) will better grasp the metaphor of time and the historical context of the war.
Unlike many books about deployment that focus on the 'busy-ness' of waiting, Yolen uses a concrete scientific principle (perspective) to provide an intellectual and emotional anchor for the child.
Four-year-old Janie and her family move to her grandparents' home on the Chesapeake Bay while her father is away serving in the military during WWII. While watching ships on the horizon, her grandfather teaches her about perspective: how things look small when they are far away but remain large in reality. When her father finally returns years later, Janie uses this 'secret' to understand his absence and their reunion.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.