Review – Anchored

Anchored by Debra Tidball, Arielle Li (illustrator)
Published by EK Books on 2023
Genres: Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal book collection

Anchored by Debra Tidball and illustrated by Arielle Li (EK Books, 2023) shares the story of Ship and Tug. Ship is heading out into the deep ocean, leaving Tug behind to wait until Ship returns. Tug keeps busy, but it isn’t the same without Ship nearby. Finally Ship returns and it isn’t just their reunion that brings Tug happiness, but also hearing that Ship has missed her too and has been thinking about her while they were apart.

This lovely picture book offers a wonderful way to start a conversation with a young child who is anxious about being away from their parents. Tug misses Ship and worries that Ship won’t be missing her in return. The story reinforces that Ship and Tug both have responsibilities and activities that keep them busy, and sometimes keep them apart, but the love they share makes them both stronger, even when they can’t be together. It shows that it’s okay to miss someone you love, and it can help to talk with them about how you feel. It also offers a reminder that time spent apart can mean you have wonderful new things to share with each other once you are together again.

This is the perfect book to have on hand for a child about to start day care or preschool, or for children with parents who travel with their work.