I'll Always Come Back to You by Tafolla, Carmen

I might have to visit a very sick friend,
or rescue a sinking canoe,
but I will always, always, always come back to you!

What happens when someone you love heads out the door? When a mother goes out to work and her daughter stays behind, Mom reassures her child that nothing can keep her from coming back home again. Mom promises that she would even ride on a whale or fight off a passel of bears, if that's what it takes to return to her child! Her daughter might have to wait with Gramma or a friend at home. Whether their time apart has been long or short, the family will be together again.

This humorous and touching book reminds young readers that distance cannot diminish love. Perfect for children struggling with separation anxiety or a change in family life, this book represents a parent's promise that they will be back, no matter what! Reassuring rhyme and amusing illustrations create a story to cherish when loved ones have gone away--and also when they've come back at last.

Author: Carmen Tafolla
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/22/2022
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780802854520
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2022
Booklist 02/15/2022 pg. 53
School Library Journal 10/07/2022 pg. 1

About the Author

Carmen Tafolla is a poet, speaker, professor emeritus, State Poet Laureate of Texas, and author of more than thirty books, including Fiesta Babies, What Can You Do with a Paleta?, and What Can You Do with a Rebozo? (all available from Random House). Tafolla has received many awards, including the Americas Award, five International Latino Book Awards, and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She travels to many places across the world, but always comes back to San Antonio, to a home filled with books and surrounded by trees, butterflies, and raccoons. Visit her website at carmentafolla.net.

Grace Zong is the illustrator of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas (Charlesbridge), Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 (Peachtree), Our Food (Charlesbridge), and many other books for young readers. She has a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Born in Illinois and raised in South Korea, Grace now splits her time between New York and South Korea.