One Day at a Time: A Story About Healing from Divorce

PreS-Gr 3–Robin and Poppy, a brother and sister, are part of a loving family. Growing sunflowers is one of many activities their close-knit family enjoys. When their parents divorce, a wave of emotions and reactions engulf the children in the process of grief and healing. While the parents comfort the children and help them adjust, Robin, the older child, deals with his emotions by talking with his friends and asking questions. Poppy, his younger sister, copes differently, through silence and not wanting her friends to know. The myriad responses are affirmed, and as the story progresses, the adjustment to a new life and family structure is made. Sunflowers are planted and grown at two houses and the children find that “one day at a time, everything is getting easier and lighter.” The focus of the text, squarely on the experience of the children, allows readers to connect with and reflect their own feelings about changes that might be taking place in their lives, now or in the past. Digitally created illustrations capture the emotional journey; these brim with love and reassurance that whatever the children are experiencing is valid and accepted. The father has dark skin while the mother is white; the children present as biracial. A note for parents and caregivers written by two psychologists provides bibliotherapeutic guidance and support.