Year of the Jungle

Written by Suzanne Collins · Illustrated by James Proimos

A girl grapples with her father's absence during the Vietnam War.

3.9 Goodreads · 1,067 ratings

40 pages· 1,022 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· AD560L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Young Suzy faces the heartache of her father leaving for the Vietnam War. As months pass, marked by holidays and distant postcards, she wonders if she'll recognize him upon his return. Will their bond endure the separation? This poignant tale captures the emotional journey of a child longing for a parent's safe return, resonating with anyone who has experienced such a separation.

From the publisher

New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Collins has created a deeply moving autobiographical picture book about a father who must go off to the war in Vietnam – and the daughter who stays behind.When young Suzy’s father leaves for Vietnam, she struggles to understand what this means for her and her family. What is the jungle like? Will her father be safe? When will he return? The months slip by, marked by the passing of the familiar holidays and the postcards that her father sends. With each one, he feels more and more distant, until Suzy isn’t sure she’d even recognize her father anymore.This heartfelt and accessible picture book by Suzanne Collins, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, is accompanied by James Proimos’s sweet and charming illustrations. This picture book will speak to any child who has had to spend time away from a parent.