First Night at Dad’s

A heartfelt picture book about one of the big milestones for kids in the midst of a divorce or separation—spending their first night at the other parent’s house—and the love that can be found everywhere.  

Henry feels a little nervous. It still seems strange that Dad doesn’t live with him and his mom anymore … that they’re getting a divorce. But now he’s going to spend the night away from his mom, and that’s even stranger. Mom says it will be an adventure, but Henry isn’t sure. 

Then Dad picks him up and drives him to the new house—a beautiful place with a tree swing and a field full of flowers. Inside, some things are familiar, like Dad’s pasta sauce and rules about bedtime. And some things are different, especially when Henry misses his mom. As Henry works through his big feelings about change, he comes to understand that no matter where he is, the most important thing is always the same: how much both of his parents love him. An author’s note from New York Times bestselling writer Elizabeth Rudnick reflects on her own experiences with parenting her child through a separation and this unexpected milestone. 

This touching and much-needed book will reassure any parents and children going through their own family shifts that change can be managed, and they are not alone. 

• Rudnick understands the anxieties that children of divorce and separation can feel. The main character, with black curly hair and light skin, narrates about parents who live in different houses. This will be the child’s first night at Dad’s new house out in the country. While the child is a little bit worried, Mom is reassuring and at pickup, Dad is the same doting father that he has always been. They engage in a variety of familiar routines, from dinner to bath, and both parents emphasize the boy’s ease. The illustrations show mostly blank walls with a few hand-drawn pictures that provide insight into the family dynamics. This heartwarming read spotlights two parents who are doing their best to show that their love for their child has not changed. The differences and similarities between houses show a cohesive family unit, despite living in different homes. VERDICT A fantastic addition for all libraries to help children understand and overcome their anxieties around the changes of divorce.
  Veronika Parrone, School Library Journal
• Henry, whose parents have recently divorced, lives with his mother. His father now lives in the country. Distressed by the changes at home and missing his father, Henry packs his bag for his
  first sleepover at Dad’s house. Mom has assured him that while change is often hard, Henry’s
  parents’ love for him will remain the same. Later, at Dad’s new house, Henry notices that
  although some things are different, Dad’s playfulness and humor remain the same. Dad’s view is
  that changes, though sometimes upsetting, often lead to something wonderful. The characters’
  emotions are clear from their facial expressions and body language in the illustrations, as well as the story, which is narrated by Henry. In the appended author’s note, Rudnick recalls her own
  son’s uneasiness when his parents divorced, and the story includes several talking points that
  might help other parents reassure their children during a similarly stressful period. The clarity of
  the appealing illustrations will help children connect with Henry’s misgivings, which he bravely
  overcomes during an unsettling time of change.
  Carolyn Phelan, Booklist
• As Henry packs, he feels excited to hang out with Dad, who doesn’t live with him and Mom anymore. But Henry’s also a little worried about what to expect. Mom tells him that even though change is hard, it will be an adventure. Most importantly, one thing will remain the same: how much Mom and Dad love Henry. Dad arrives and drives the two out to the country, where Dad plays tour guide at the new house, showing Henry the big yard, shelves for his books, and a dragon blanket on his bed—just like at home! They make dinner together (Henry is the taste tester, like always), but when Henry is reminded of Mom, everything suddenly becomes too much, and he hides under his new bed. Dad tells Henry that love and memories are what make a home, and they will make some here. Later, after the same bedtime routine, there’s another surprise along with a final reminder of Dad’s love. Rudnick’s story speaks to an experience common to children of divorce, gracefully presented here with calming reassurance yet also acknowledging the emotional difficulties. Cellier’s art, likewise, is peaceful and depicts emotional truths. Henry has light tan skin and curly brown hair, like Dad; Mom is a touch paler. Simple and sweet.
  Kirkus Reviews