Going back to work after leave is a big change for the whole family, including the smallest member. A good storybook gives your child a picture of where you go, and gives you an easy way to talk about it.
What to look for
It shows what the parent actually does. Meetings, projects, patients. Real work, drawn so a small child can follow it.
It connects your day to theirs. The best books put the two side by side: "Mommy works on her projects. I work on my puzzles." Kids see that their day and yours are surprisingly alike.
It ends with coming home. The story should land on the reunion, so the last thing your child hears is that you always come back.
It's short. It's 8:57 p.m. and your little one picks the longest book on the shelf. A short book gets read at bedtime, at breakfast, and in the car.
Our three storybooks for working parents
Mommy Goes to Work. Mommy's day at the office, mirrored by her child's day at school. Winner of a NAPPA Award (2022) and a Moonbeam Award (2021).
Mommy Goes to Work at the Hospital. For families with a parent in healthcare, from nurses and doctors to pharmacists and administrators. Jossy developed the story with Jenny McGrail, her delivery room nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Daddy Goes to Work. Daddy joins his meeting, his child joins circle time. Now on pre-order, shipping in December.
Every book ends the same way: "Together or apart, I hold you in my heart, wherever we are." Each is $19.99, with free shipping in the US.
A gift for a parent going back
Aunties, uncles, grandparents, colleagues, employers, and daycare teachers are some of our biggest champions. If someone you know is heading back after leave, a book for their family says you thought about the whole family, not only the job.
Bring a story home
For your family, or to gift to one.
