Over There: Daddy Version

by Dorinda Silver Williams, Brenda Gilliam (Illustrator)

The story line goes something like... Here, we eat (picture of a family eating dinner) Over there, Daddy Eats (picture of a daddy eating an MRE.) Here, we sleep (picture of child going to bed) Over there, Daddy sleeps (picture of daddy in a sleeping bag). And the part that I needed to hear, and always made me cry, Here, you have people who care about you. Over there, daddy has people who care about him. I recently passed this on to a friend whose husband had left that morning and it was exactly what her children (age 6 and 9 - not normally the target audience for a board book) and herself needed to hear. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a loved one "over there

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Military Fiction

36 pages, Board book

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Benjamin Uke]

A children's book (mommy and daddy edition) intended to explain to children where their parent is, and that although they aren't there they are still loved.
And it's okay to be angry.
It's both sad and absolutely necessary.

[Lindsey Schultz]

This is a wonderful easy to read book for younger students. This book explains to the students that their Dad still loves them while he is deployed. It explains a few things "Daddy" might be doing while deployed.

[Beth]

Board book about having a father deployed away from home, showing kids playing, living, and missing their dad while also showing him missing them. It's a vehicle for emotions, but probably a good one for little kids in this situation.

[Dolly]

This is a good book to read with children whose father is away on deployment with the military. It shows how the Dads still love and think about their children, even if they are thousands of miles away. It is a board book with a simple narrative and lots of colorful pictures, so it is appropriate for very young children.

[Ruth Ann]

Good for youngsters with deployed parents - illustrations show what parent might be doing while deployed.

[Daniel]

Unrealistic expectation of the military with no firearms.