Always Come Home to Me by Belle Yang, Belle Yang (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

A moving and uplifting tale of two children and their parents, and the beloved pet doves that help them to understand one another.

"Fei, fei — fly, fly, little birds, but always come home to me!"

Mei-Mei and Di-Di are head-over-heels in love with their new doves. Like devoted parents, the siblings tenderly nurture Butterfly and Squeaky as they grow from chicks to fledglings to birds. But when Mei-Mei and Di-Di arrive home to find that the doves have disappeared, their young hearts break into a thousand pieces — and they run away, determined to reclaim their beloved birds. Will Mei-Mei and Di-Di return home with the doves before they break their own parents’ hearts?

Children's Literature

Two children from China, Mei-Mei and Di-Di, find out what it is like to be parents, feeling both love and apprehension for the safety their children. Their children just happen to be Butterfly and Squeaky, two white doves they have cared for and raised. When the birds are taken away, Mei-Mei and Di-Di go to find them, leaving their own parents at home sick with the same worry that the children feel for their doves. When the all parties realize that they share a common concern, a bond of understanding is formed that strengthens their relationship. The storytelling and illustrations are done in the style of an old folktale, giving the book a wistful and somehow peaceful feeling. Set in China, the reader is transported to a land of cherry blossoms, where they celebrate the Ching Ming festival and sweep the graves of their ancestors. Many Chinese words are presented along with their English counterparts, further immersing the reader in the Chinese culture. This timeless story about the love of parents for their children translates into any language and applies to any culture. Read in the young classroom to talk about China, to discuss families, or to help children gain an understanding of paternal love. Alternatively, read it at home to share a loving moment with your own child. Reviewer: Carly Reagan

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 A twin boy and girl living in a village in northern China are the happy recipients of a pair of white doves. The siblings take care of the birds just as their parents have always cared for them and the fledglings stick close to home. One day, their father, unaware of their devotion to the doves, gives the birds to his brother as a gift for helping with the harvest. When the youngsters find out where their cherished pets have gone, they steal away on their uncle's wagon to visit the doves but learn that they've flown away. The despondent siblings return home only to discover that their birds have done the same. Bold gouache single- and double-page illustrations done in a folk-art style are the highlight of the tale. Occasionally, simple black-and-white silhouettes decorate the framed text. Though the story is predictable, the vividly colored artwork, depicting various animals frolicking across the pages and a warm, happy family, will attract children.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Kirkus Reviews

Chinese twins Mei-Mei and Di-Di raise their two doves to fly freely, but to return home, just as Mama (mother) and Baba (father) expect their children to behave. When grateful Baba gives the doves to his brother in return for his help on the family's farm, the twins are sad but don't communicate their hurt feelings to their busy father. When Uncle Baldy returns, the twins hide in his wagon and travel to his house, only to discover that their birds have flown away. Fearing punishment when they return home, the remorseful girl and boy discover that their beloved doves have come back and that Mama and Baba are anxiously awaiting the twins. Set in the rural northern countryside, the only clue that the story may take place in modern times is that the girl also attends school. The gouache paintings have the vibrant folk-art feeling of Chinese paintings done in the last few decades, but show no signs of contemporary life. An additional purchase, but will be enjoyed for its attractive illustrations. (Picture book. 5-8)

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