This is an excerpt of a review was originally published on my website: <a href="https://www.missjennysclassroom.com/2018/03/jail-mom-dad-book-review.html">Miss Jenny's Classroom</a>

This is a step-by-step book of the feelings, emotions, thoughts and questions that a child will probably have if they see a parent arrested and imprisioned. Told through the eyes of a boy he learns about where his father will be going (jail/gaol) and what happens next.

I am and am not a fan of the photographs. On one hand I feel using the photographs is great because this book is about what is happening – this is not a happily-ever after everyone is okay book – this is real life and about consequences for actions. The only reason I am ‘not a fan’ is that to me there lacked consistency between photographs – or perhaps a coherance – it just wasn’t quite spot on, but of course as you know I’m a picky sort of reader! This minor issue though doesn’t retract from the usefullness of the story.

Included in the book, aside from the boy’s story, are guiding notes as well which is why staff would find this one particularly useful. It would be a book I would recommend having a staff PD session around and then making copies available to staff. Outside of schools this book would likewise have a place in community and relationship centres that assist during these events.

I think that “Tell Me About When Moms and Dads Go to Jail” was written on an appropriate level for children. Sometimes the vocabulary was a little advanced and didn’t have an explanation (for example, “vocational.”) Otherwise, it was super comprehensive and answered a lot of questions about what happens when a person goes to jail.