About This Book

This richly illustrated picture book, set in a small South African village, tells the story of children waiting to celebrate the return of their fathers who have worked long and hard for months in the South African mines.

The children, excited to learn that the fathers are on their way home, share their joy with classmates at school and hurry to make musical instruments to play at a party to be held in the village. The colorful illustrations show the natural splendor of the African landscape and the majesty of its people. The strong bond of families and the important role fathers play in the lives of their children is reflected in the simple text. Along the way, readers learn how the South African government's apartheid policies have affected the lives of children and families, who struggle to maintain their dignity despite the pain of being separated from loved ones.