Grieving for his father, who has just died of cancer, Michael defends Daddy's chair from all comers. Understanding relatives gradually get him to allow temporary occupancy: his big brother may sit there while he plays chess with Michael, as Daddy did; an aunt is willing to share some of the stories Daddy told; Mommy promises to hug Michael, like Daddy did, when they watch TV together in the chair. Meanwhile, Mommy has also explained sitting shiva. With dignified simplicity--nicely reflected in Haas's eloquent monochromatic watercolors--the story conveys the family's traditions and their loving support of one another. A good addition to the literature about grief. (Picture book. 4-8)
