Dear Baby I’m Watching Over You

Carol Casey
Illustrated by Mark Braught

Good morning, Baby! A military parent wants to remind their baby of their love and prayers. Letters are sent; memories left behind, and are pictures kept. Are distant parents hungry at the same time their loved one left behind is? So many questions, so many constant thoughts. Letters and pictures from home become like treasures. To the family that is left behind, how do soldiers explain why they leave you? Little ones, teenagers, their job is to protect our country, hence – always watching over you.

Dedicated to U.S. service men, women, veterans, and their families. This book is written for the children, as they hear or read the words, that they should feel more peace with one of their parents overseas. Our military are remembered for future days and memories. Those times will be important, for the child and parent alike.

How often do young children question the absence of a military parent? The one who stays behind may not always be the parent; could be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or even a good friend. The sacrifice of the soldier is sometimes more than what was expected. Children have a hard time understanding that sacrifice. This book is unusual in that it has the opportunity to remind children of all ages why their military parent is absent. As a post-script, this book is printed and published in the United States.

There is a warm quality to Braught’s paintings engaging each image contextually different. The soldier who kisses the letter – you want that it to be your letter he received. It is your hand you want traced so your child will hold it for memories. It is your dad, husband, or brother, saluting the flag that is committed to protecting our country. These paintings are that engaging.

BIBLIO: 2011, Dear Baby Books, Ages 2-8, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-9820972-3-6

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 2-15-11