Brittany J. Thurman

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GZLA

FOREVER AND ALWAYS

January 2024, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 40 pp

In this lyrical picture book from two breakout picture book creators, a young Black child waits for—and worries about—her father while he’s away from home. A sensitive, poignant portrayal of a family’s worries, joys, and comforts, to sit alongside books by Jacqueline Woodson and Christian Robinson.

Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love—and fun. Together, she, Daddy, and Momma will make a feast for dinner, clean up, dance to old-school tunes, and read stories. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn’t? Sometimes other people aren’t, like the people Olivia sees on the news. Thud, thud, thud, goes Olivia’s heart. Thump, thump, thump, all through the long day, until she hears the jangle of Daddy’s keys announcing he’s home.

STARRED REVIEWS

KIRKUS – “A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “So understated that it’s sure to give flight to discussions, this book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact. A necessary title.”

NOTE: Illustrator represented by The CAT Agency


Marietta Zacker


Picture Book


Contemporary

Diverse

Family

Social-Emotional Learning


Dramatic

Translation

UK