I received a copy of Mira and Baku by Sara Truuvert and pictures by Michelle Theodore from Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.

It is almost Mira's birthday but Mira's mother lets her know that her father would not be there for it. Mira is angry and with her imaginary friend, Baku, the two go off in search of Mira's father, as Mira also thinks back to her memories shared with her father and mother. With each passing day, Mira continues to think back to moments with her father, particularly ones in which they share their rock collecting hobby. We are given glimpses into what may be happening in the background as the adults in the story play their roles as well. When Mira's birthday arrives, her father is not there, but a letter and a rock do arrive - Mira's father has not forgotten her either and has been thinking of her too. 

As the Mira and Baku progressed as a story, I was able to pick up on the context of the story. The author's note at the end of the story also confirms that this story is inspired by the internment of Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans in Canada and America during the Second World War. The separation of families from each other and the homes they built is a terrible event that affected and discriminated against the Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans. The story brings us to this historical time through the eyes of a child, who may not be able to fully understand the circumstances they are living through. What a beautiful way to bring this story to life in this picture book. I also really like the character of Baku who is Mira's friend and protector and I learned that Baku is a magical creature who eats nightmares in Japanese folklore, which is absolutely fitting in this story.