Red, White, and Blue Good-bye
PreSchool-Grade 2–As her father, a Navy man, prepares to go to sea, a young girl describes her feelings about his departure. She doesn't want to say good-bye, and he comforts her by pointing out certain images–the red flag on their mailbox, white clouds in the sky, and blue water–that will help her remember him. Ultimately, she learns that while having her father leave is hard, there are ways to stay connected with him. The softly told story is complemented by realistic watercolor paintings. Similar in tone and theme to Mindy Pelton'sWhen Dad's at Sea(Whitman, 2004), Tomp's book, while still warm and fuzzy, adds a main character with gumption. She hides her daddy's boondocker boots, necessary for working on the ship's deck, hoping that will keep him home. Of course, it doesn't, and he boards his ship, attired in his dress whites, carrying his sea bag. Another sensitive and caring title for those service families who go through separations from loved ones.–Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.