21 Feb Review: Taming Papa
Taming Papa
by Mylène Goupil; illustrated by Shelley Tanaka
Groundwood Books, 2024
ISBN: 9781773067247 (eBook)
ISBN: 9781773067230 (jacketed hardcover)
$14.99 CAD (eBook)
$16.99 CAD (jacketed hardcover)
160 pages
Ages: 9 to 12
Review: Andrew Desrochers
Mélie and her father don’t speak the same language. She didn’t even know she had a father until he was released from prison in another country and came to live with Mélie and her mother in their small apartment. Her mother says he got in trouble because he wouldn’t keep quiet or say the same thing as everyone else. But now, he doesn’t say anything, and his nightmares are anything but quiet. With help from her past teacher and a bilingual dictionary, Mélie and her father learn to meet each other halfway, one word at a time. The illustrations are beautiful, but would have more impact if they were placed with the chapter they illustrate. Mylène Goupil’s gentle exploration of the themes of family, language, and mental health opens doors for children from all backgrounds to see themselves in little Mélie. Taming Papa will make a poignant and timely addition to the fiction shelves of any elementary and middle school library.