Papa and Pearl follows Pearl whose parents are divorced. Her mother drops her off at Papa's house for the first time. However, when Pearl is getting ready for picture day, everything seems to be going wrong and she wants things to be like they were before. Pearl then learns that even though many things change, some things like love remain and different experiences can be special. The book ends with a note to kids whose parents are getting divorced and what they can do including talking about their feelings and asking questions. Also, the book has a note to caregivers and tips for parents experiencing a divorce. The illustrations are charming, and the book is wonderful for children whose parents are getting divorced and kids in general to understand what it can be like for others going through family changes.

I read this with my 8 yo daughter and while her father and I are happily married I wanted her to have empathy for friends who are going through this. It was short and simple and engaging. She said she liked it!

This is a perfect book for kids going through their parents divorce. Not everything will remain like old times, but new times make new memories.

Beautifully written and illustrated!

Recommend this book for children that are going through their parents divorce.

The back of book gives some helpful advice for not only the children but the parents as well.

#

Papa and Pearl is a must-have for any child dealing with changes in their family dynamic due to divorce. We meet Pearl, a sweet girl who's visiting her father for the first time after a divorce. She's unsure of many things: his new house, where her favorite things are, and how he'll help her prepare for picture day. Although things can't be the same (as her father lovingly explains to her), they can be just as great even though they're different. Papa helps her achieve a whole new fabulous look for picture day, and she comes to learn that although there's been change, the love always remains.

The end notes intended for both children and caregivers are incredibly sweet while remaining honest about just how tough divorce can be on everyone. This book is a wonderful resource wrapped in a heartfelt story with beautiful illustrations.

(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)

Oh what a cute book!!!

This book explores the topic of divorce with Pearl, her papa, and her mom. Pearl goes to her dad's house and things just aren't the same as they used to be. However, she learns that, though things may not be the same, they can be just as good with the right mindset. Papa works so hard to make Pearl happy! This was really sweet and a good way to explore a challenging topic. And the illustrations were SO cute!!!

Such a cute way to discuss divorce with your children. Though it tackles that things change afterwards and can’t go back to the way they were I wish there was a bit more on that. However I truly giggled aloud when the father tried to do his daughter’s hair. Very cute illustrations to go with the story.

Papa and Pearl is a super sweet story about a little girl spending her first week in her dad's new home after a divorce. I loved the care that this book took in showing how change is difficult and ways to deal with it. The relationship between Pearl and her father was really cute, and I appreciated the way they talked about the changes that were happening and what could make them easier.

Thanks to NetGalley, Annette Clayton, and Teacher Created Materials for the chance to read and review! My opinion is my own.

My husband and daughter read this over and over and over together! IT IS DARLING! My daughter just talked on and on about how excited she was to read it again. My husband adored reading this. He really enjoyed the story!

This is such a sweet story. The illustrations are so sweet and it's so clever that she went from Princess to Mermaid. I adored it so much and the message is fantastic for separated/divorced families.

The book was beautifully written. The author made careful word choices that were very impactful. The illustrations are great for young readers! Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it.

A lovely story of a girl struggling to adjust after her parents divorce. This would be an excellent way to breech the topic with little ones. Pearl wants it to go back to how it was, but her dad helps her understand that sometimes you can't do that but you can make something new and beautiful together. At the end of the book it has helpful guidance for children and guardians.

What a cute book with a lot of important topics. I personally did not have divorced parents but I have seen a lot of children in the child welfare field whose parents have gone through divorce or were never married and co-parented. Sometimes it went well, other times it didn't.

This book would have been really helpful. I loved the ways it tackled challenging topics in an age appropriate manner. I think sometimes we forget how complicated little humans' feelings can be. This showed Pearl navigating a lot of heavy feelings, good and bad.

It was nice to see at the end she was able to embrace her new reality. It didn't mean her world was over, it was just changed and it didn't have to be a bad things.

I liked that there were separate pages at the end for children and their caregivers about divorce.

This book is absolutely perfect for kids that are going through big changes in their families. The author knew exactly how to make a realistic story about divorce that can help children navigate a difficult time. The thing that made this book so spot-on was how the author addressed everything that will be swimming in kids' heads: differences, feelings, love, potential questions, potential struggles, etc. And all of these topics were written in an age-appropriate way that readers can easily understand. The illustrations complemented all of the crucially important and relevant writing flawlessly, and the colors/details were absolutely stunning. The illustrator especially did a spectacular job with the ocean/mermaid theme throughout. Lastly, it was such a smart idea to include guides for children and parents going through divorce at the back of the book. This story and these guides will be so, so helpful and meaningful to readers everywhere.
Bravo!

I just finished reading this to my littles, and I fully intend to read it to my (although older) stepkids when they’re back next. I come from a split family as well as Pearl did. It isn’t easy, it’s quite hard in fact. But it turns out that it was the biggest blessing. I love that there’s books out there that talk about this, and the huge wave of feelings that come with it.

My daughter also really loved the “muhmaid!”

This sweet book shows the power of perception. Divorce/separation/major life changes are hard. This book provides a conversation opening to talk about possible positive outcomes of those big changes.

I have read all 38 pages including covers and feel the sorrow of a dad & daughter because i'm also a dad of a baby-boy. The Book "Papa and Pearl" tells a touching story about a father and daughter during a divorce. When Pearl visits her dad’s new home for the first time, everything feels strange. Through fun adventure they discover that change can still be special. Hence This sweet story reminds kids that even though things may change, a parent's love stays the same.

Thank you for the gifted arc!

Wow, this actually made me tear up. This book is perfect for children of separated parents and teaching them to embrace change. As a child of divorced parents, this book would’ve been amazing for me at that time. Beautiful!

As a child myself from a spilt household this book paints the prefect picture of that! A child can still have a very happy childhood and loving parents even if they live in a split home!

I loved this book so much and I will be sharing it with so many other educators to add to their library!

"A tale about divorce, new beginnings, and love that never changes."

What a sweet story helping children with the changes to their family caused by divorce. It was perfect how they showed that some things would be different. Things may never be as they were, "but we can create something new together". I loved the story and the illustrations were darling. I would purchase this book and recommend it to others. Well done!!

A beautifully illustrated picture book about navigating change and exploring new opportunities, Papa and Pearl belongs in every library. While care givers will appreciate the informational notes at the end and the creative example set by the adult characters on the page, young children will relate to Pearl and her "sometimes happy, sometimes sad" journey from princess to princess AND mermaid as she learns to celebrate the changes in her life. The colorful and detailed images provide a brilliant foundation to the story, showing readers how Pearl's world grows and evolves. A wonderful recommendation for readers who have enjoyed Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki or Tuesday is Daddy's Day by Elliot Kreloff. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this delightful arc.