Forever and Always

Thurman, Brittany J.

A young Black child waits for—and worries about—her father while he's away from home in this lyrical picture book from two breakout Black picture book creators. 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 soaks him in 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 one on Momma's phone. 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.

Brittany Thurman’s poetic text deftly explores the day-to-day life of a young Black child and her family—their joys and their fears—with a rhythm and musicality perfect for reading aloud. Shamar Knight-Justice's expressive artwork sings with color, texture, and warmth. Forever and Always respects the deep emotions of young readers, while offering comfort and reassurance to any child waiting for a loved one to come home. For readers of Saturday; Nigel and the Moon; and The Year We Learned to Fly.