Jill Biden

This picture book was written by a stepmother of a deployed soldier. The author is also the Nana to two military children, who experienced the anxiety of the near instant separation of their father and the stress of worry about their father. In her story, neighbors and friends are supportive. They shovel snow and send pizza to help lighten the burden. This is not the experience for all of our military families. During my two-year recall beginning on 9/11 my family had no assistance. The show more author points out that only 1 percent of the population serve in the military. This rareness creates a disassociation between the civilian population and the hardships experienced by the military families within their community. The adage "Out of sight out of mind" is a common refrain that leaves military families isolated in parts of the nation where active-duty bases are far and few. In recognition of this disparity the author offers resources to the Civilian Community on how to reach out to the children of military and support their families. Raul Colon support Jill's text with art that provides a window into the various emotions the children and mother experience throughout their father's deployment. Each image is not sharp. Rather, the imagery is hazy, as if to draw attention to the emotional whirl and stress time plays on the mind when flooded with emotions of separation and fear of the unknown. In contrast, Jill's words and lettering in the "Resources section" at the end of the book has bolded titles and is enclosed in a double red line border, as if to say "BE BRAVE" read me and act to the community.
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Former Second Lady Jill Biden presents the story of a military family in this poignant picture-book, inspired by the experiences of her own stepson Beau, who served in the US Army, and of his family during his deployment to Iraq. The tale opens as young Natalie bids her father goodbye, following her throughout the year as she struggles to be brave during those moments - occasions special and everyday - in which she is missing her Daddy. The books closes with the family's reunion, and an show more extensive afterword discusses America's military and military families, offering many suggestions for how non-military folk can help these people who serve the nation...

One of a number of picture-books penned by America's Second Ladies - there was Lynne Cheney's 2003 "A" is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, as well as last year's (2018) Marlon Bundo's Day in the Life of the Vice President from Charlotte and Karen Pence - Don't Forget, God Bless Out Troops pairs Biden's emotionally involving text with lovely artwork from illustrator Raúl Colón. It's good to be reminded of the sacrifice and service of our military - something from which we all benefit, but which is provided but such a small section of our society. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about parent-child separation in general, and deployed military parents in particular. show less

From the perspective of a mother, I could feel Dr Biden's pain over Beau. Told with grace and humor, Dr. Biden is someone I feel like I could be friends with. She loves her people fiercely and without apology, she has a sense of humor, and doesn't take herself too seriously.

A simple tale which drips with emotion, illustrated softly with watercolors and colored pencils.

Love between the family members shines through on every page. A gentle tale both for military children with parents away from home and for understanding the sacrifices military families make.