When We Go Home

A touching and warmhearted picture book that explores what it means to belong to two cultures.

Marlee’s parents are excited. “We are going back home!” they tell her and her brother. “Not my home,” Marlee says. She knows the island is where her mum and dad grew up, and that she and her brother will get to do lots of fun things when they visit. But she’s never been there. And though her dad says a person can have two home countries, Marlee isn’t sure she believes him. But slowly, the warm welcome from her large, loving family, the coconut water she drinks on the beach and the many other delights she discovers on the island, from pigs on the beach to music at bedtime, help Marlee see that what her dad says is true.

Heather Beaumont’s poetic story portrays an experience that many children with family heritage in another country or culture can relate to, and it affirms the experience in loving detail. The book’s expressive, rhythmic text, using the refrain “when we go home,” and the rich, vibrant art by Nátali de Mello make it an excellent read-aloud choice. Perfect to spark meaningful discussions about what home can be, it highlights for young children what a treasure it is to have a family and a place - or two - that feels like home. The book also lovingly captures aspects of life on a Caribbean island, from the food to the music to the beach.

Heather Beaumont emigrated from England at seven years old with her parents and big sister. She spent her childhood exploring in the woods, riding her bike, making weekly visits to the library and directing and acting out stories with friends. Her love of words and stories led to careers in magazine journalism and communications and marketing. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Nátali de Mello is a Brazilian Canadian author and illustrator based in Ottawa, Ontario. She holds an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University and has illustrated several picture books. Nátali loves using creativity and inclusivity in her work, mixing traditional and digital media. When she's not drawing, you can find her hiking in nature with her husband and twins --- or enjoying a nice slice of pizza!