Ultimately, the book is as much a model for foster parents as it is a story to provide validation of foster children’s experiences, though Calvin’s final statements that Maggie is “like a mama bear” and “like no one I’ve ever met” (this latter phrase echoing Maggie’s oft-repeated affirmation of Calvin’s specialness) may come across as somehow denigrating his Mama, who is depicted lovingly on earlier pages. In time, Calvin accepts Maggie’s affection and seems to internalize her affirming statements. She also responds patiently when Calvin acts out destructively, redirecting his behavior and modeling calming breathing techniques. Maggie wisely gives him space and respects his rejection of hugs.
Calvin doesn’t want to unpack, and he feels both unwanted and anxious about starting at a new school.
The narration doesn’t provide a backstory to explain how and why he came to Maggie’s home, but it does identify it as “another house,” which suggests this isn’t his first foster placement. A child in foster care benefits from his foster mother’s patience and care.Ĭalvin (who presents as White with light skin and curly brown hair) has his guard up when he arrives at the home of his new foster mother, Maggie (who appears in the illustrations as a woman of color with brown skin and even curlier, darker hair).
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