Papa's Coming Home

by Chasten Buttigieg, Dan Taylor (Illustrator)

Overview

A charming picture book about unconditional love from New York Times bestselling author Chasten Buttigieg, perfect for Father's Day and for families who love each other the whole year through.

A New York Times bestseller
A USA Today bestesller
An ABA National Indie bestseller

Jojo and Rosie's papa has been away on a trip, and they can't wait to welcome him home! They make signs, they pick flowers, and with Daddy's help, they bake a cake and pack the car with absolutely everything Papa might have missed while he was away.

When Papa's plane arrives, they give him a huge hug—but when they bring him to the car, they realize there's one small problem: Where will Papa sit?

Delightfully illustrated by Dan Taylor, this charming story filled with love celebrates dads and familial bonds. Chasten Buttigieg shines a beautiful light on the humorous musings of toddlers and a parent’s unconditional love for their child.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593693988
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/20/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Chasten Glezman Buttigieg grew up in Northern Michigan. He is a teacher, advocate, and husband of former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Chasten currently lives with Pete; their two children, Gus and Penelope; and their rescue dog, Buddy, in Traverse City, Michigan. His memoir I Have Something to Tell You was a New York Times bestseller, in both the adult and young adult editions. You can visit Chasten at ChastenWrites.com or follow him on Instagram @Chasten.Buttigieg and on Facebook at /ChastenButtigieg.

Dan Taylor is an internationally published children’s illustrator and art teacher who lives in the United Kingdom with his partner, Sam. Though he can often be found illustrating picture books using his trusty iPad, he also enjoys getting messy with paint and crayons, and finds inspiration in the design and illustration work of the 1950s and '60s. You can visit Dan Taylor at DanTaylorIllustrator.co.uk or follow him on Instagram @DanTaylorIllustrator.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Papa's Coming Home:

"The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit . . . many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2025-02-15
For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.

The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews