I Have Two Homes

by Marian De Smet, Nynke Talsma (Illustrator)

Overview

A bestselling children's picture book about divorce.

“In this sensitive story, a rosy-cheeked girl named Nina talks matter-of-factly about her parents’ divorce.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“This quiet picture book reflects the experiences and insecurities of many young children. . . . This perceptive, child-centered picture book portrays the pain of parental separation and the satisfaction of finding happiness afterward.” — BookListOnline

“A tender, honest, and reassuring story for children about divorce, I Have Two Homes excels in every regard.” — Canton Rep

I am Nina. I have two homes. Dad lives in one house. Mom lives in another house. And I live in both houses, Sometimes with Mom and sometimes with Dad.

In this loving picture book, Marian De Smet gives an honest, uncomplicated account of what it can be like when your parents split up. Nynke Talsma’s sensitive illustrations accompany the text perfectly. For 4 years old and up.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781605371023
Publisher:	Clavis
Publication date:	12/02/2011
Pages:	24
Sales rank:	1,139,972
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Marian De Smet is a writer, a teacher, and author.

Nynke Talsma was in born in Delfzijl (the Netherlands) in 1975. She studied at the Art Academy in Kampen with specialisation ‘children’s book illustration’ Since 1999 she works as an illustrator of children’s books and educational books. In her work she often uses aquarel, pen and ink, pencil, acrylic paint and sometimes self-made stamps. Together with her husband, and two children, she lives in the neighbourhood of Apeldoorn.

Editorial Reviews

In this sensitive story translated from the Dutch, a rosy-cheeked girl named Nina talks matter-of-factly about her parents’ divorce. “One day, our home became too small for the two of them,” she says. “So there had to be two houses: One for Mom. One for Dad. And two for me.” Talsma’s paintings convey Nina’s perspective on the adult world: her mother rides away on a bicycle, precariously balancing her possessions, and the two vibrant homes are separated by indistinct, sparsely drawn houses. As Nina spends time with both adults, she expresses what many children of divorced parents likely feel: “I have two homes. It’s strange. But it is nice, too.” Ages 3–5. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"In this sensitive story translated from the Dutch, a rosy-cheeked girl named Nina talks matter-of-factly about her parents’ divorce. “One day, our home became too small for the two of them,” she says. “So there had to be two houses: One for Mom. One for Dad. And two for me.” Talsma’s paintings convey Nina’s perspective on the adult world: her mother rides away on a bicycle, precariously balancing her possessions, and the two vibrant homes are separated by indistinct, sparsely drawn houses. As Nina spends time with both adults, she expresses what many children of divorced parents likely feel: “I have two homes. It’s strange. But it is nice, too.” Ages 3–5. - Publishers Weekly"

"A tender, honest, and reassuring story for children about divorce, I Have Two Homes excels in every regard." —www.CantonRep.com

"This quiet picture book reflects the experiences and insecurities of many young children. . . . This perceptive, child-centered picture book portrays the pain of parental separation and the satisfaction of finding happiness afterward." —www.booklistonline.com

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 1—Nina's parents have divorced, and she is dealing with the changes in her life, including living in two homes. The child reflects on when they were a family of three. They would have hugs together, and she felt like "a hotdog in a bun." Then her life began to change. When her parents fought they stood far apart, and she couldn't fit snuggly between them as before. When they decide to have separate homes, Nina notices changes in their behavior toward her. She misbehaves in an attempt to get their attention but they are often preoccupied. She talks about missing each parent while she is in the home of the other. Then, slowly, she begins to notice good things about having two homes, like having two birthday celebrations. She also realizes that when she has a big event, both of her parents are there for her. She finally concludes that her parents aren't happy with each other but they are happy with her and will both be in her life forever. This book addresses a sensitive topic in a careful, childlike manner. Vibrant acrylic illustrations in soft colors successfully portray Nina's emotions. A great resource for young children dealing with this difficult issue.—Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

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