Don’t Forget, Gold Bless Our Troops
Jill Biden, Author
Raúl Colón, Illustrator
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Children of Military Personnel, Soldiers, Family Relationships
Opening: “Does Daddy Really Have to Go?” “Daddy is a soldier,” Natalie’s mom answers in a quiet voice. “Soldiers have to do hard things sometimes.” She runs her hand through Natalie’s hair. Her father takes Natalie in his arms. “Home is wherever I’m with you!” he sings softly.
Synopsis: Natalie’s father has been deployed overseas for a year and she misses him. She and her brother, Hunter, are supported by a loving mother and Nana. They celebrate holidays and help Natalie bake cookies and pack care packages to send to her father and other soldiers. Friendly neighbors bring them food, help shovel the sidewalks and mow the lawn. Her church family prays every Sunday for the many soldiers, including Natalie’s father. When Natalie prays at bedtime, she tells Nana, “And don’t forget, God bless out troops.” E-mails and video chats with her Dad make things a little easier, but it still isn’t the same as having him home.
Why I like this book: Second Lady Jill Biden has written a sensitive book based on the experiences of her granddaughter, Natalie, when her father is deployed to Iraq. She chronicles Natalie’s life and the strong bond with her brother and mother, family, neighbors, church, school and community. Biden’s book is heartfelt and approachable for kids. Military children will quickly relate to Natalie and Hunter. Raúl Colón’s illustrations give a sense of tenderness and emotion as he uses soft watercolors and colored pencils to show for some very special moments in the story. This book belongs in every school library.
Resources: Jill Biden offers four detailed pages of back matter at the end of the book She includes an author’s note, information about the military, and tips for how children and adults can reach out to military families. She includes many creative ideas and projects for families and teachers to use this book at home and in the classroom. She also lists special resources and websites for military children and families.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Kind of worth it to just see the resources at the back.
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Genevieve, it is a lovely book. Yes, the resources are great. You can find the book at the library.
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This book sounds really wonderful, Pat. I’m so glad you added it to the list, because I think there’s a huge need for books like this and not enough of them. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Susanna, glad you like my selection. Have tried to share as many books for military children and teens this month. Dr. Biden has written a very personal book.
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I’ve looked at this book and I agree – wonderful resources and beautiful illustrations! Nice PPBF choice.
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Thanks Cathy. Am glad you agree! Such a personal book. Know I’ve featured a number of books for military kids, but it is my tribute to our grandson.
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Hi Pat – I saw this book at our book fair and immediately thought of you. I’m so glad you found it and shared it on our PPBF list! It is an important pick.
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Barbara, I usually share a variety of books for military kids and their families as a tribute to our grandson, who lost his life. Didn’t get to the grief books I like to share too. I’m glad you thought of me when you read it.
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Wouldn’t it be nice if books like this weren’t needed?
Great Memorial Day weekend pick, Pat.
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I agree. But, as long as we have war and a military, there will continue to be a need. There were no books for kids during previous wars. So it is good that there are books that speak to kids.
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I love Wendy’s reply. It sounds like the resources are excellent at the back of this book.
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Yes, the resouces at the back are excellent. It’s a very personal book and I’m glad Dr. Biden shared her granddaughter’s story. There are some video trailers out there of her reading and talking about her son Beau’s deployment.
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Awh look at the dog’s face looking up at himtoo. Lovely book, Pat.
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Catherine, it is a lovely book and the artwork just beautiful and emotional.
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That cover is really sweet. Yes, the dog seems to love Dad too! Looks like a perfect book to read over the weekend. I’ll have to look for it. Thanks!
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Thnak you Rhythm. I liked the dog’s expression too. Yes, it is the perfect book to read over Memorial Day weekend.
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I live in a military city, and I can see what deployment does to families. Thankfully we have organizations that step in to assist families when the Marines and Sailors deploy. This seems to be a great book that would be helpful in this part of NC. Love it! Sweet book, well written and a great review, Pat!
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Yes, I live an Air Force community. And, it is a family where support is foremost. Our community really embraces its soldiers. Dr. Biden did share a very personal story.
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What a perfect book for Memorial Day weekend! Unless we have experienced it, we can’t know how difficult it would be to say goodbye to a father heading off to war. The links and suggestions at the back complement the topic beautifully.
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Thanks Jarm. I thought it would be a good time to share Dr. Biden’s lovely story about Natalie. Yes, the back matter is excellent.
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What a great book! I love the things the family does while the father is away. 🙂
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Erik, I’m glad you liked this book and how the family copes together. Very positive. Meant to say in the story at the end of every spread, were the comments “Be brave Natalie.” That’s a tough thing for a kid, but she was surrounded by so much love.
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Thanks for choosing this book, especially on this holiday weekend.
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Joanne, I wanted to share something inspiring this weekend.
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I kept passing this one over, guess I didn’t want to ‘go there’, but I will now. Thanks Patricia.
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Glad, you FINALLY read my review — and did “go there.” It was a sensitive and personal book. It’s part of our living history. Will be posting something tomorrow in honor of our grandson, and talk about a wonderful program for survivors, TAPS.
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A very deep and personal story. One we would all wish was not so needed. Lovely that the author is able to relate it so well for the very young. Thanks for sharing, Pat.
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Diane, yes it is a moving story about a granddaughter’s personal experience. It’s a very good book.
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Any book that helps small children to learn about their emotions is a great resource.
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This ia very sensitive book that shows how Natalie is supported by her family and community. Dr. Biden wrote an excellent book.
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