Two People Can

By Author / Illustrator

Blessing Musariri, illus Maisie Paradise Shearring

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Kumusha Books

ISBN

9780008658724

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-06-2024

Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated lyrical children's picture book about family change, loss and hope.

A powerful and uplifting story about the impact the departure of a dad has on a young boy and his mum, written by award-winning Zimbabwean poet Blessing Musariri and stunningly illustrated by British artist Maisie Paradise Shearring.

Shingai's father has gone and Shingai and his mum are all alone and feeling lost. Shingai can't contain the whirlwind of emotions inside him any more. He needs to let his feelings out.

A beautiful heartfelt story about the complex range of emotions a child experiences when a parent leaves, told from the perspective of a young boy. An important book for kids about dealing with family change and overcoming sadness with hope and acceptance.

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Reviews

Elen

A perceptive, engaging story about the emotions a young boy goes through when his father leaves home. Shingai's struggle with his sadness and loss leads to upheaval at home as both he and his mother try to reshape their lives around the father's absence.

This poignant narrative is brilliantly portrayed in Shearring's colourful, vibrant illustrations, which convey the emotions the mother and son are experiencing while bringing a warmth and gentleness to the story.

Two People Can is a heartfelt story that is perfect for exploring the kinds of emotions we might feel as we experience grief and loss - and that it's okay to feel these things - as well as giving a gentle reminder about how our big emotions might affect those around us.

Winner of the Best Picture Book Prize at the Inclusive Children's Book Award 2025.

Picture book / Reviewed by Elen Green

Jen

A young b is sat by the door waiting for his Dad to come back (we don't know if Dad has left or has died). The boy knows he will soon be told off by his Mum as he keeps doing naughty things as he feels all mixed up inside. He begins to make a mess and puts stickers all over the room. Mum is about to tell him off but then joins in and makes even more of a mess. The boy shouts and runs to the garden. Mums should not behave like that he thinks. But then he reflects and realises that he can have fun just him and Mum.

A book of hope after sadness, Two People Can would really help children who have experienced loss. It would also help the parent who is still around. I like the fact that the Mum shows that she feels bad inside, too. Sometimes we all act out when we are sad, upset or don't understand what is going on.

I read this book to a range of children aged two to eight years, but the children struggled with the sadness in the story or perhaps felt uncomfortable because family members are in this position; I am not sure. For me I love the illustrations and the details in the background of each picture. I will be keeping this book in the book corner (an area of the classroom full of books) for my Year 1 children.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jen Bevan