Red, White, and Blue Goodbye

by Sarah Wones Tomp, Ann Barrow (Illustrator)

Daddy is a navy man. He loves his family, but sometimes duty calls. And when it's time for him to ship out, it's difficult for his young daughter to accept.
Saying good-bye can be upsetting. But the fun moments and special rituals they share make parting easier. Daddy's uplifting red, white, and blue good-bye reminds us all that we can stay connected with our loved ones in our hearts, even when we can't be close to them in person.

Genres: Picture Books, Military Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2005

Reviews

[Rebeca Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a little girl, her father is a navy man who has to leave for several months at a time. The narrator tries to explain to her own dad that she doesn't want to be away from him. In her unhappiness, the father tries to cheer her up and points out ways that they may stay close together. The symbolism used the American flag of red, white, and blue meaning new things for the girl to take. In her past attempts such as hiding her dad's boots and trying to stow away in her dad's bag, her dad knows that it may be painful for her but it's something he must do for his family. The color connections show that this may help his daughter to not feel so alone. In the use of watercolors, these illustrations are seen as awkward but have meaning to each page of the book. The one picture or scene was seeing the illustration of the seaside but also shows how close the family is even when one is miles away.

I liked the book because it may bring attention to how military kids and parents are the true heroes of the time they decide to serve. The picture book gives clear and uses light colors that shows the empathic story of the young girl. In the classroom, I would use this book as a part of the social studies currilum or reading for elementary grades. For this reason, I would have the story focused on the kids who may have parents or guardians that are away- such as the military or any other reasons as well. For the purposes of the classroom, it can be both for pleasure or informative reading depending on the way that it may be taken in the class's subject matter.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely, delightful picture book for children. A wonderful book for anyone who has family
members in the military or even a parent that needs to travel and leave home for a while.
So creatively written, took me by surprise actually. The illustrations were so lifelike and relatable.
A real charming feel-good book, for children and adults alike!

[Jeceka Pitchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her daddy has to leave for the navy, he shows her different things she can look at and remember him by. Putting up the flag on the mailbox when she wants to send mail, looking at the white clouds, and the blue water. Children go through this kind of experience all the time and it is hard for other children to understand or for them to know they aren't alone. This book can do a lot in helping children realize that it is okay.

[Salsabrarian]

A little girl is unhappy that her Navy dad is shipping out to sea for six months. As he packs, she hides and broods in the shed and hides his boondocker boots. He points out the red flag on the mail box and tells her the flag goes up when she has something to send him. He shows her the white clouds and tells her to remember he's under the same sky. And at the ocean he tells her he'll be sailing in the same blue water. Lastly he hands her a mini American flag and says "think of me whenever you see red, white and blue."

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this lovely picture book, a young girl deals with her feelings about her father being deployed in the Navy. Both mother and father are good at acknowledging the child's feelings while helping her prepare for the father's absence. And the vivid use of colors (red, white and blue) will stick with young readers who are going through similar experiences, either with a parent's military service or other reasons for separation.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal reaction: Although this book is somewhat sad, this is something many children are facing today. This story is about a little girl who's father is leaving because he is in the navy. She becomes very sad because her dad is leaving, so he does several things to help her not be so sad. He teaches her that she can write him letters while he is gone.

Purpose: read aloud enrichment, to help children who's parents are deployed, 4 years and older

[Kim Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the way this book talks of the way our familys deal with parents who serve out country. I like the love you feel in the text, and that it addresses the heart ache that many familys experience about missing loved ones.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military families have a hard time saying goodbye when duty calls them away for months at a time. This sweet book shows the military parent helping their child see how they can stay connected while they're apart.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really sweet story. I can't imagine what it must be like for a parent to have to leave their little ones at home during deployment, but this dad does a great job of helping his little girl know that her daddy will always love her even though he's overseas.

[Jen]

A good book to use for children who have parents deploying! (Choice)

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A niche book about a girl whose father is leaving for the Navy. Deals with children's emotions nicely. Not of much interest to those who aren't dealing with this particular issue.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deployment book.