When Dad Was Away

by Weir, Liz; Littlewood, Karin

• ISBN13: 9781845079130
• ISBN10: 1845079132
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-02-26
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Summary

When Jenny's dad goes to prison, she is very sad. Bedtime stories aren't the same and the children at school tease her. When Mum takes her to visit Dad, the prison looks like a huge castle and they have to wait a long time for Dad to arrive. It is lovely to see Dad but Jenny is sad when they have to leave. Then one day Jenny gets a package. It is a tape recording of Dad reading stories. At Christmas time Jenny gets to go to the prison party and she can have her picture taken with Dad and Father Christmas, just like the kids at school can. And on her birthday when Dad comes home at last. This is a sensitive story about family life when a parent is in prison. Well researched by a storyteller and illustrator who have visited many prisons, the simple text makes it accessible for young children when shared with an adult, and for beginner readers.

Author Biography

Karin Littlewood studied Graphic Design at the University of Northumbria, followed by an MA in illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked in editorial, packaging, design and advertising, as well as publishing. Her work has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal three times. She lives in London. Liz Weir is a professional storyteller and writer from Northern Ireland. Formerly children's librarian for the city of Belfast, she now works extensively in schools and prisons, and travels the world telling stories to adults and children. She lives in Belfast, U.K.