When your daddy's a soldier

PreS-Gr 4--An uplifting and honest portrayal of life for military families told from the eyes of a child. Soldiers and their families face the excitement of a very important job, but they also face the trials of being apart. The part of the family that stays home is proud, but also sad. They have important jobs to do, too. While their soldier is away at work, they take care of each other and send him treats to feel connected. The struggles are described honestly without being upsetting. The illustrations convey the emotions of the family, including the highs and the lows. While the story does include the efforts of the family, female soldiers are not depicted front and center. VERDICT Despite the absence of depicting mothers serving their country, this book is perfect for military families looking for a little reassurance about their experiences.--Darby Wallace

Life continues when parents are overseas. An unnamed narrator is proud of his soldier father. The boy often engages in imaginative play that mimics his perceptions of military life, but he's also saddened by his father's long absences. The boy and his mother and sister do their best to cope, writing letters to Daddy, sending him things (like a seashell and a skipping stone) that will remind him of them, and, when Daddy does come home, celebrating his return. Digital illustrations beautifully capture each family member's emotions and speak volumes to the stress endured by military families; the art will pull in readers, especially military families. Unfortunately, the book includes the harmful, outdated message that boys should hide their sadness and that the suppression of valid emotions equates to maturity and bravery: "Our daddy is going to war. Sis cries, but I try to act like a soldier. Brave. Daddy says he's proud of me, but his voice sounds lumpy. Later, I hide in my fort and cry." It's an unfortunate addition in a story dealing with a topic of relevance to many. The boy, his father, and his sister are brown-skinned; their mother is lighter-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Well intentioned and earnest but laced with problematic "boys don't cry" messaging. (Picture book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.