Papa’s Coming Home

Twins Rosie and Jojo and their daddy eagerly await Papa’s return home in Buttigieg and Taylor’s amiable picture book. As the children, portrayed with brown skin, anticipate leaving for the airport to pick up Papa, they overzealously prepare, feeling that “I think we might be missing something.” Not content with festooning a handmade welcome sign in glitter, the pair pick a bouquet, then bake a many-layered chocolate cake. The ideas keep coming even when it’s time to go, and the car is soon stuffed with Papa’s favorite things. Cool coloring and contemporary settings help Taylor’s slick digital artwork capture the happy chaos of family life in this satisfying work that ends with a joyful reunion. The children’s dads are portrayed with pale skin; background characters have various skin tones. Ages 3–7. (May)