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When Daddy is Away
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When Daddy is Away

Living through absence, waiting and reunion

Available in English, French (Quand Papa voyage) and Portuguese (Quando o Papai Viaja)

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The book

Gabriel learns to live with his father’s absence when he leaves for work. Told from the child’s point of view, the story explores separation, waiting and reunion, honouring the bonds that stay alive despite the distance.

A tender picture book for families where a parent travels often, works far away or lives elsewhere, with notes for parents, psychologists and educators.

Three threads

01SeparationWhen a parent leaves, the child feels the emptiness — sometimes anger or worry. The book acknowledges these emotions without minimizing them.
02WaitingCounting the days, keeping an object, telling stories: the small rituals that help get through the time of absence.
03ReunionThe bond does not stop with distance; it changes. Coming back together is also a moment to prepare for and to welcome.

A glimpse inside

“When Gabriel’s daddy went away on a trip, he missed him a lot. He counted the days until his return, trying to understand and soothe the feelings in his heart.” (translated from the French edition)
Page 5 “When Gabriel’s daddy went away on a trip, he missed him a lot. He counted the days until his return, trying to understand and soothe the feelings in his heart.” (translated from the French edition)
“As he told his father’s story to the class, Gabriel’s heart overflowed with admiration.” (translated from the French edition)
Page 15 “As he told his father’s story to the class, Gabriel’s heart overflowed with admiration.” (translated from the French edition)
“When Daddy came back, it was a celebration! Seeing his father, the waiting turned into bouncing hugs of joy.” (translated from the French edition)
Page 24 “When Daddy came back, it was a celebration! Seeing his father, the waiting turned into bouncing hugs of joy.” (translated from the French edition)

How to use this book with children

This book can be read before a departure, during the absence or at the return. During or after reading, you can:

  • ask the child how they feel when someone they love goes away;
  • invent together a ritual for the days of absence (a calendar, an object, a message);
  • talk about what stays present even at a distance: memories, calls, promises kept;
  • prepare the reunion: what they want to tell, show and do together.

The notes at the end of the book offer guidance for parents, psychologists and educators.

Where to buy Printed book. Choose your edition, then the store closest to you:
French editionAmazon USAAmazon Canada
English editionAmazon USAAmazon CanadaUICLAP (Brazil)
Portuguese editionAmazon USAAmazon CanadaUICLAP (Brazil)

Also on other Amazon stores (UK, France, Brazil, etc.): search the title or the code — French edition : B0CWXWL7KS · English edition : B0CWXKNX6D · Portuguese edition : B0CWVH95T8

For group orders (schools, clinics, libraries) or a signed copy, write to us. Contact us
Helena Pinheiro Jucá-Vasconcelos

The author

Helena Pinheiro Jucá-Vasconcelos is a psychologist and Gestalt therapist (OPQ #15704-25, Quebec; CRP 05/34161, Brazil) and the founder of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Sherbrooke. She is also co-author and editor of the book Educação Emocional Positiva and the author of other picture books, born from the same sensitive listening and the desire to translate human experiences into language accessible to children.

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