Home At Last

Following the death of his parents and then his grandmother, Lester is put in a children’s centre and adopted by two men who create a loving environment for him, but Lester has suffered such trauma since his parents’ death that he wakes up frightened and can’t sleep through the night. When Wincka, the family’s dog, understands Lester’s fears and begins sleeping in his room, Lester finally feels home at last. This picture book for grades 1-3 would be a useful read-aloud to introduce topics of adoption, family diversity, fears, belonging, and families. Bright watercolour illustrations are visually appealing and will engage students.