On the Day His Daddy Left

Plot Summary

Like many children, Danny is afraid his parents' divorce is his fault. So on the day his daddy leaves, Danny writes a secret question on a slip of paper:Is it my fault? He shows the question to his teacher, his friend, and his dad and mom. Everyone reassures him that the divorce is not his fault. With tears in her eyes, his mom writes NO on the back of the paper so when Danny needs to, he can be comforted again and again.

In this simple, poignant story, Eric J. Adams and Kathleen Adams focus on the misplaced guilt commonly felt by children of divorcing parents. Layne Johnson's realistic paintings dramatically convey Danny's strong emotions.

Awards

Pick of the Lists, ABA

Reviews

"In a straightforward manner, the authors deal with a very common feeling that children of divorced and divorcing parents have. They give advice in the text that the child can understand and address the parents at the end of the book. The advice expands on the feelings children have about divorce and offers some suggestions for how parents can best deal with these feelings. Johnson's illustrations are appropriate to the text. They show a believable second- or third-grade troubled boy and the sympathetic adults who try to reassure him. A useful title for adults who counsel children, for teachers, and for parents who want a way to discuss divorce with their children." Kirkus Reviews

"Guilt colors Danny's face on the day his dad moves out of the house in preparation for a divorce. "Is it my fault?" Danny writes on a piece of paper. His face also reflects the anger, resentment, and sadness he feels as the difficult day progresses. . . .The Adamses maintain their honesty as the book telescopes the traumatic day (and the first year), and acknowledges that only time, adjustment to the new situation, and love can temper Danny's pain. This valuable, therapeutic book speaks volumes on a few thoughtful, briefly worded pages, with Johnson's caring, photographically realistic artwork not only mirroring the people and surroundings in Danny's life but also his intense conditions. A final page addresses adults about children's concerns." Booklist

"An honest, soothing treatment of a situation faced by many children." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
divorce, families