With so many children growing up with divorced parents who have joint custody, it’s surprising there aren’t more picture books like this one. After Tim moves to a new town with his mom, his dad takes the train to visit him for the day. They spend quality time together—going to a movie, eating at Tim’s favorite pizza place, and reading at the library. Everywhere they go, Tim proudly introduces his dad to the people they meet, while Tim’s dad looks on with slightly embarrassed pleasure. It’s hard for the two to part at the end of the day, but before Dad’s train leaves he takes Tim on board and holds him up for the passengers to see. “Excuse me…,” Dad announces, “well, this is Tim. He is my son. He is the best son anyone could have.” And Tim looks on with pride and pleasure, and not the least hint of embarrassment. Eva Eriksson’s expressive colored-pencil illustrations show the deep affection between father and son, as well as their sadness when Dad boards the train alone. But the text ends on a hopeful note: “Tim and Mom watch the train until they can’t see it anymore. Even though Tim can’t see the train, the tracks are still there. And one day soon, along those tracks, the train will come back. The train will come back with Dad. And Tim will spend another day with Dad.” (Ages 4–7)

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