I’LL ALWAYS COME BACK TO YOU

Young readers get the reassurance they need to deal with a caregiver’s comings and goings.

The rhyming verses describe the various reasons an adult may have to venture out into the world without their child. The outings range from the everyday and humdrum—such as going to work and running to the store—to the implausible and ludicrous, like scaring off a band of pirates with kung fu moves and going for a ride on a whale’s back. No matter how far the adult wanders, the child can be certain of their repeated promise: “I’ll always, always, ALWAYS come back to you.” Although the illustrations depict an unnamed young girl and her mom, who both have tan skin, the narration feels universal—the speaker could be any adult who plays a supportive role in a child’s life. Zong’s lively, expressive gouache artwork shows the girl (who appears forlorn whenever her mother is absent) being cared for by a revolving door of reliable babysitters and depicts a confident, determined, and energetic single mother. Children will enjoy following the little family’s pets—a cat and a dog­—who serve as the girl’s cute sidekicks and mirror her emotions. Although the fantastical scenarios are amusing, they can also be seen as metaphorical, capturing the often Herculean nature of parenthood. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A touching picture book that addresses separation anxiety with heart, humor, and heroic flair.