I thought that this was a lovely book and it deals with the subjects of divorce, joint parenting and new beginnings really well.
The illustrations in the book are wonderful and really bring the story to life.

The book is well written, it has a nice flow to it and it is easy to follow.
Perfect for the age range and the story was a really nice one that made me smile.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

Pearl is learning how to live with Papa part of the time and things are different. She wishes they could be the same but Papa teaches her that though things are different some things will always be the same like the fact that he and Mama still love Pearl.

This was a sweet book about a girl who has divorced parents, and how she is coping with it. Pearl is staying with her dad in his new place for the first time. Everything is different, but her dad is trying. Pearl goes through some ups and downs, but thankfully it all turns out good.
A great book to read with younger kids that have divorced parents. I really liked the parents in this book, who put Pearl first and helped her make it easier for her to cope with their divorce. The 'Notes" at the end of the book were great!
Wonderful story, well written and beautifully illustrated!

Though I finished reading this ARC from Netgalley at the start of the month, I could only find the time now to post a review.

Papa and Pearl, written by and illustrated by, does a great job in handling a very sensitive theme with gentleness and grace. Handling a divorce can be a trying time, not only for the couple but also for their children. Pearl, the protagonist of the story, is still trying to wrap her head around the changes in her life. From transitioning to staying at two separate homes to understanding the differences in her parents' approach, Pearl slowly grasps these new developments and comes to terms with them. I loved the portrayal of co-parenting and how a new picture of the family stays on the wall, even in Papa's new home.

A special mention goes out to the author for fleshing out the characters in a short span of time. From the tattoo on his arm to the beach at the seaside, we understand how Papa's life as a fisherman has impacted his personality. On the other hand, Mama is always seen in a hip haircut and snazzy clothes. Could these differences have led to their divorce? I believe these are nuances that are picked up more by adults. One never knows.

I also appreciate the notes at the end of the book for parents and children who are going through a divorce. It offers comfort and solace in a troubled time, ensuring that everyone in the equation emerges unscathed.

Papa and Pearl is out in bookstores! Grab your copy.

this is a great book for kids of divorced families. Really shows them how change is ok. The illustrations were cute!

This book is told from the perspective of the daughter of a newly divorced couple. She's staying at her dad's new house for the first time, and it's different from her old house. He doesn't do things they way they used to be done and he doesn't have everything there she normally has at home, but he does them in his own way that works.
The story teaches us that, while things may not be able to go back to the way they used to be, "they can be made into something new, together."
The story is told well, and the illustrations are wonderful. It takes something as huge as divorce and parcels it down into something digestible by children.
There is a sections for children and a section for adults that gives tips about how to deal with feelings and discuss divorce that I think is very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Pearl is very sad after her parents get divorced. She now has two separate houses and two separate rooms. She imagines that she’s a princess, but her kingdom is crumbling. When she goes to Papas house on picture day everything goes wrong! Her hair isn’t right, she can’t find her lunchbox, and something horrible happens to her favourite dress! Can Pearl learn how to accept change? Can Papa and Pearl learn how to live in this different, but still good way?
This was an excellent book with great writing and illustrations. Five stars!

Divorce is never easy, especially for children. The roles of the parents drastically change and the parenting relationships change, which can be scary. As a child of divorce, those first few months of weekend visits with my dad felt so weird- even today, I still don't know how everyone managed to make it normal.

That's where "Papa and Pearl" comes in as a hero. Pearl visits her dad at his new house, which isn't what she imagined. Everything is new- the backyard, her room, and even her daily routine.

But there are a lot of things that are the same- her papa, bedtime stories, and dancing, Her papa is still her papa, and that theme is very strong in the book.

Pearl goes through the emotions of having to move from a life where she lived with two parents, to a life with two houses with one parent each. She's brave, vulnerable, and very relatable.

The father's quick adaption to having to learn to do hair, not having what his princess wants, and balancing the disappointment from his daughter that things aren't as they normally are is a very relatable tale. The father is quick to adapt and learn new things- it's not how mom does it, but he has a great attitude in making a new tradition of how dad does it.

The book has a theme of making things new together, which is such a positive message for child and parent when navigating the new normal together. It gives ownership to both the father and the child in creating a new routine, traditions, and memories .

The back of the book also includes a note to kids about how to talk about your feelings, how to talk to adults, and how their voice is important. The same care goes into the caregivers in how to be open with children about their new lives.

"Papa and Pearl" is a sweet *tail* of a daughter navigating her parent's divorce. I think for kiddos who may be also going through the frustrations of the many changes of a parental separation, this book is a great way to talk about it. While change can be sad and overwhelming, it also allows for new opportunities and memories. Like Pearl, it doesn't have to be a wholly negative thing, and sometimes, the things that truly matter don't really change at all. I would highly recommend this book to families who have grade school level children who are experiencing separation to help open a dialogue and provide support to the little lives in limbo during that time.

I read this because I was going to give it to my nephew since my sister and brother-in-law are going through a divorce, I wanted to see how appropriate it was for him. It was absolutely great. I feel like it was understanding for children going through divorce to understand how things can change but change differently. The story of the father was so sweet and how he tried to accommodate Pearl during this difficult time. And pearl was just going through the motions so it was sad I love that the author gave her options to understand that things are different but they're not necessarily bad. I would like to see this series continue perhaps with the parents meeting other people and getting married as well as having children. I'm hopeful that Pearl can continue to evolve.

Lovely story about how things may be different but that doesn't mean that they have to bad. The story is about a girl going to stay at her dad's house after a divorce and while everything is changing, she discovers new ways to have fun with her dad. Also included are tips for parents and kids on how to keep communicating.

I am thankful to #NetGalley for giving me a chance to read #PapaandPearl in exchange for an honest review. 

We need more books like this. In our society, a lot of children have to go through a very tough time if their parents get divorced. A lot of children can't even comprehend the situation. I personally think books like this where it talks about parents' divorce and the new normal that comes along with it are very important. 

In this book, Pearl has been a princess to her parents, and then suddenly everything changes as their parents get divorced. After the separation of Pearl's parents, Pearl's father moves out to another house, and Pearl for the first time visits her father's house. This book shows how she and her father try to comprehend this new situation, make it normal, and have a new beginning. 

I actually appreciate this book: the theme, the messages at the end. The book is colourful too. Besides, by reading this kind of book, children can learn to be empathetic to themselves and others.

I read this as an adult and really enjoyed it. Heartwarming even though it deals with difficult topics, which I think are handled very well as well. Would recommend to any parents!

‘Papa and Pearl’ by Annette M. Clayton is a beautifully crafted children's book designed to help children of recently divorced parents adjust to their new way of life. This poignant story is both comforting and supportive, making it a valuable resource for families navigating the complexities of separation.

Plot: ★★★★★

The plot is beautiful and heartwarming, offering a gentle and supportive narrative for children. It centres around Pearl, a young girl adjusting to her parent's divorce. Through her interactions with her father, Papa, the story explores themes of love, resilience, and the importance of family bonds, even when they change. The storyline is simple yet powerful, providing a realistic and empathetic portrayal of a child's experience during a difficult time.

Character: ★★★★★

The characters are very cute and relatable. Pearl is a beautifully developed character who embodies the confusion, sadness, and eventual acceptance that many children feel when their parents separate. Her journey is depicted with sensitivity and realism, making her a character that children can easily connect with. Papa is portrayed as loving and supportive, reinforcing the message that both parents continue to love their children deeply, even when they are no longer together.

Illustrations: ★★★★★

The illustrations are gorgeous, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Each page is filled with vibrant and expressive artwork that captures the nuances of Pearl's emotions and the warmth of her relationship with her father. The illustrations not only complement the narrative but also engage young readers, making the story more accessible and impactful.

Engagement: ★★★★★

The story is highly engaging, capturing the attention of young readers with its relatable characters and touching narrative. Children are likely to be absorbed by Pearl's story, finding solace and understanding in her journey. The book’s pacing is perfect for maintaining a child's interest, and the relatable situations depicted make it easy for them to see themselves in Pearl’s shoes.

Readability: ★★★★★

Readability is excellent. The language is clear and age-appropriate, making it easy for children to follow along and understand the emotions and messages conveyed. The book is also well-suited for reading aloud, allowing parents and children to share the experience together, and fostering open discussions about their feelings.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★

The book is highly enjoyable, providing both comfort and entertainment. It is a delightful read for children and their parents, helping to foster understanding and communication during a difficult time. The positive and hopeful tone of the story ensures that children feel reassured and supported.


‘Papa and Pearl’ by Annette M. Clayton is a wonderful resource for children of divorced parents. Its beautiful plot, relatable characters, and stunning illustrations create a deeply engaging and enjoyable experience. The book offers valuable support and reassurance, making it a must-read for families adjusting to new dynamics. Clayton's sensitive and empathetic storytelling provides a beacon of hope and love, ensuring that children understand they are cherished and supported, no matter the changes in their family structure.

The spectacular illustrations really make this book special. The story about adjusting to the divorce of one's parents as a young child focuses on changes that occur, including a beautiful relationship that develops with the child's dad. Poignant and hopeful!

Divorce is messy, but when you have children it can be even more messy and confusing. I loved how this book portrayed Pearl's thoughts and worries, while also showing her Papa stumble a little bit. It's not going to be easy, but Papa showed Pearl that just because it's different, it doesn't have to be bad. There is beauty even in the brokenness. The illustrations by Kim Barnes capture the emotions on each page.

A special note that this book includes tips for kids experiencing their parents' separation and tips for parents in how to much sure their children will be supported. I think this is a must have book for parents who are divorcing and want to ensure their children feel safe and loved in both homes.


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Free Spirit Publishing for this gifted eArc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. This is a children's picture book that follows Pearl as she adjusts to a new lifestyle after her parents divorce. The artwork and storyline is beautiful, and it shows a realistic understanding for kids of what separation between parents is. I highly recommend this to people who have gone through a divorce with children. It's both adorable and heartfelt.

Thank you, NetGalley and Free Spirit Publishing for the eARC.
This book is great for children, esp those who are in this situation. With this beautifully illustrated book, they may understand it easily and learn that their parent's love for them never changes no matter what.

Papa and Pearl is a sweet book of a young girl experiencing her parent's divorce. I loved the positive spin and focus on how some aspects of life will be a "new beginning", while others will be the same (like the parent's love for their child). The message is told in a child friendly and engaging way. Papa and Pearl will be perfect for children whose own parents are going through a divorce, but all children can read it and benefit from learning about different types of families. I highly recommend this book for all children.

This book captures a child navigating her parents’ divorce. Her father works to make her life as close to normal as possible. It is filled with themes of navigating change and getting used to the new normal. It is a good book to remind children that they are not alone when going through a difficult season of change. The illustrations are very well done as well.