The Long Road Home


Children - Picture Book
48 Pages
Reviewed on 04/10/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Long Road Home is a charming children's picture book by West Hand. It tells the story of Sky, who lives with her sister Ocean and their adoptive parents. The story unravels as Sky takes a different route to school, starting her journey to her home in Omohafe. Taking the wrong turn, she gets confused and finds herself lost. Then she bumps into Old Man Rain, who comforts her and takes her to the right way to school. Happy to see her teacher and classmates, she thanks Old Man Rain and asks how she can reach him again. Old Man Rain tells her that all she has to do is say his name when it rains, and he will come to her. What follows is a series of events that will reveal the true identity of Sky and her sister Ocean.

West Hand’s The Long Road Home is a heartwarming story that follows Sky as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth. The story is told clearly and engagingly, sure to capture young readers' attention. Its beautiful illustrations bring the story to life in vivid detail. The theme of self-discovery is masterfully woven into the story, powerfully and subtly. Empathizing with Sky is easy as she discovers new truths about herself and her place in the world. Young readers can also learn new things by joining her inside the classroom. Ultimately, it is an excellent tool for starting conversations about important topics like self-discovery and goodwill with children.

Alex Ndirangu

The Long Road Home by West Hand introduces us to nine-year-old Sky. She and her sister, Ocean, are adopted by kind and caring parents. One rainy morning, Sky decided to take a different and shorter route to get to school. But she got lost and started worrying that she would never see her friends at school or find her way back home again. Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, she bumped into Old Man Rain, a man known for helping lost children in town. A few months later, on a rainy night, Sky woke up to find Old Man Rain sitting on the edge of her bed. He revealed to Sky that she, her sister Ocean, and their parents were from a planet far away called Omohafe. Sky's parents had only come to earth with Sky and her sister to protect them from evil beings in Omohafe. Old Man Rain told Sky she had special powers that enabled her to talk to water and move through the universe, and it was time she returned to help her world. But is Sky ready to travel through the universe to Omohafe?

West Hand's The Long Road Home is uplifting and engaging, ideal for every young reader. The characters are cute and very well-developed. I have great admiration for Sky. Though sometimes her choices would get her into trouble, she always sought help when things got out of hand. She showed confidence, boldness, and bravery at every turn. As a strong role model, Sky offers valuable life lessons for children on the importance of friendship, love, respect, and family. The most heartwarming moments in the book are when family and friends come together. Whether it was while the kids were at school or during dinner time at the family table, something pleasant was always happening. These moments are described vividly and shown in vibrant, colorful illustrations. The story involves journeying to other worlds and discovering new planets, and all these adventures are captured in warm colors. Both children and adults will be drawn in.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

The Long Road Home by West Hand informs readers that Sky is making her way to school by following a different route. She gets lost but meets a new friend, Old Man Rain, who helps her find her way. Safe at school, Sky and her classmates learn about rain and the weather. She seems to have all the answers to the teacher’s questions. Later, at home, she shares stories of the day with her younger sister Ocean and her adoptive parents. Little does she know that her life is about to change and that she’s more than just any ordinary girl. She has special powers and she’s going to learn how to use them. But first, she must return home.

West Hand’s picture book The Long Road Home is a short science fiction fantasy about sisters from another planet who have extraordinary powers. The two main characters, Sky and Ocean, share a sisterly bond that is more like being best friends. They do everything together and help each other whenever they can. Their adoptive parents are loving, kind and protective, and express concern when they learn of Sky’s adventure and interacting with a stranger. Fortunately, the encounter with Old Man Rain went well, but one can never be too sure. As the sisters learn their destiny, they retain their love for each other and their parents, sharing, caring, and looking after each other. The story is well written with some important messages for young readers and is beautifully illustrated.

Pikasho Deka

The Long Road Home is a children's picture book by West Hand. The story follows a young girl named Sky, who one day decides to do something unusual. She takes a shortcut through the forest to get to school. Sky also wanted to go home early because her little sister Ocean was sick. But fate intervenes, and Sky loses her way on Cane Street. Fortunately for her, Old Man Rain kindly shows her the right way home. As the seasons pass, Sky meets Old Man Rain again, only this time in the form of a young boy named June. He reveals that Sky and Ocean are gifted children from another planet, and their adoptive parents are angels sent to guard them while they grow and master their abilities. After discovering her destiny, Sky must use her powers to help her home planet.

The Long Road Home is a wholesome children's tale that teaches that everyone is unique and that they possess gifts that can be used to change the world. West Hand relates an engaging adventure story about a young girl discovering herself through a chain of events on an eventful day when she took the wrong route to school. Sky's adventures reflect the wonder and joy everyone feels when they are young and showcase how all of us can contribute to making the world a better place. The eye-catching illustrations make the characters vibrant and the story even more immersive for readers. This is a wonderful book for all the children out there.