Business in Bangkok

Carol Bodrug is a former elementary-school teacher with the Durham Board
of Education.

Corey’s mother is going to Bangkok on a business trip, leaving him
home with his father for 10 days. At first Corey is upset because he
doesn’t know who will make his breakfasts and lunches, tie his laces,
fix his bear, iron his shirt, or bathe him. His wise father encourages
him to try to do these things for himself. Corey does, and soon finds
himself developing some independence and taking on some
responsibilities. Before long, Corey receives an e-mail from his mom
telling him how she will owe him 10 hugs when she returns. Father and
son end up coping very well while Mom is away.

This thoroughly modern story would be a good choice for a working
mother in a similar situation to share with her children to help them
adjust to her absence. In each of the book’s two-page spreads,
McLeod’s illustrations, in flat pastel colors, appear on one page with
Westerhout’s text on the other. The pictures enhance the story, moving
it along to a satisfying conclusion. Recommended.