A young bear wishes it could travel along in its father's backpack when Papa has to "go away for awhile." The cub understands that Papa is a soldier and that he leaves in order to protect the cub. Maintaining a child's perspective, the little bear expresses its sadness, imagines what the journeys are like for Papa, and then creates a miniature version of itself that really will fit in Papa's backpack. For a child with a military parent, this story offers a thoughtful, poetic path toward expressing emotions. In this fantasy world, animals walk upright; carry sticks, not guns; and wear decorative feathers with sweaters and jackets, making the characters recognizable but not realistic. In swirling, rich colors, block-print-like illustrations add to the mystical effect. In one double-page spread, a group of animals walk along, heading toward conflict, on top of a land foundation inscribed with "Mother-Father-Daughter-Son-Sister-Brother." The emphasis on family ties is powerful, echoing the bear cub's wish to stay connected to Papa. Comfortingly rhythmic language and expressive images combine to create a memorable narrative.

PreS-Gr 1- Papa's Backpack begins with a thoughtful dedication to military families but becomes a much more universal allegory for separation by employing the simple symbolism of a child riding piggyback. Carroll's use of spare and emotional language and earthy illustrations that play on contrasts and negative space expertly boils down and concentrates the confusion and longing a very small bear feels when separated from his Papa. The abstract nature of phrases ("We'd feel the sting, the twisted wind. We'd taste the angry rain.") convey the feeling of conflict without specifics. Rather than ending with the question of Papa's return, Carroll turns the focus back on the little bear who poignantly and earnestly reasserts that "if he could, he would" go too. The ambiguous nature of Papa's journey makes this title uniquely applicable to many situations where a very young child and parent must be separated. VERDICT Carroll has created powerful work of stark beauty that honors the longing felt by those who must stay behind. Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH