The Call Ends First: a Story About Parent in Prison

Imani has a whole week of things to tell Mom: a curious snail, a cracker-stealing pigeon, a wiggly tooth, and a brand-new dance. But when Mom calls from prison, the minutes move faster than Imani's words. A recorded warning interrupts. The phone goes quiet before the dance, before goodbye-before Imani is finished. Grandma cannot make the call longer. She can stay close while Imani is angry. And Imani can find another way to carry the unfinished stories forward, without pretending it feels the same. The Call Ends First is a warm, honest picture book about a child and an incarcerated parent staying connected through ordinary details, imperfect contact, and love that has more to say. Created for ages 6-9, it offers families, kinship caregivers, teachers, counselors, and community programs a child-centered opening for conversation without explaining the parent's offense or promising an easy ending. Includes a brief note for grown-ups about supporting children before and after calls and checking facility-specific contact rules.