Goodbye, Hello: A Going Home Travel Adventure

A young pigtailed protagonist hugs grandparents on a U.S. city street at the start of this step-by-step travelogue that gradually reveals the family’s destination. As a taxi awaits, the child and infant sibling, both portrayed with light brown skin, and pale-skinned Mommy get “one last hug” before “Strap and click./ Airport, please./ Quick, quick, quick.” Staccato phrases by Dale convey the trip’s beats, taking readers through airport-related transit and queues, an overnight flight, and more until the three arrive in Japan and join a crowd to celebrate the arrival of a large docking ship—and brown-skinned Mama, a U.S. Navy sailor. In fine lines and saturated colors, Weisman’s detailed digital illustrations portray a range of travelers and situations, plus helpful employees interacting with the family, creating a work with plenty for young travelers to seek and find. Background characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 2–5. (Nov.)