Going Home by Simon Howe

As a father mouse and his child set out to meander through their day, they notice other creatures moving along, too. Are they all going home? Did Dad’s lost scarf go home, too? Does everyone go home sooner or later?

The story was inspired by a real day author and illustrator Simon Howe spent with his then two-year-old daughter. He commented on a car, suggesting it was someone driving home. As children do, his daughter took hold of that idea, applying it to other things. 

This is a sweet, gentle book that celebrates family, childhood and the idea of home. It's a tender story of life, loss and love. Howe uses minimal text, offering plenty of opportunity for reflection. Open-ended questions make this a wonderful book to read aloud, providing space for curiosity and connection. 

Interestingly, Howe didn't set out to make this a story of loss - but some images towards the ending along with the sentence "It's good to know where things are going and where other things have gone," subtly change the tone. Those who work with younger children dealing with loss and grief will find this book an interesting and important resource in their toolkit. 

Howe's artwork is dreamy and detailed, with soft colours and edges. Worldless pages invite readers into the story, no matter their reading skill. The two mice are gorgeous, with character and expression. Howe brings the world to life, with interesting perspectives and scale. Each shadow, each fold of fabric, every swooshing leaf and swirling snail shell is perfect. 

This is an exquisitely written and illustrated book that will foster many small, but deep, moments of connection. 

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Walker Books