A boy with a father in the military reflects on cherished memories of a camping trip with Dad in this warm, reassuring picture book.
Written by acclaimed author Richard Jackson and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca, this timeless story is a perfect Father’s Day tribute.A red Jeep on a dirt road, two sets of hands on the wheel; fresh-caught trout grilling over a fire; a night in a sleeping bag, the moon glowing outside the tent. Camping with his dad near Michigan’s Au Sable river, a young boy collects these indelible memories, and more.
Now war has called his father away, to drive a different kind of Jeep, and the memories are even more precious. One day soon, he hopes, Dad will come home, and they’ll be headed back into the woods, off to make more.
Acclaimed editor and author Richard Jackson drew from his own experience for this tender story about the lasting impact of quality time with a parent, especially poignant for military families. Caldecott Medalist and Sibert Honoree Brian Floca’s warm, lively illustrations pair perfectly with Jackson’s timeless words.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
On sale: May 7, 2024
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780823444953
Richard Jackson was a highly regarded children’s book editor, and an acclaimed author. His titles include
In Plain Sight, with illustrations by Jerry Pinkney, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book,
Snow Scene, with illustrations by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and
Tessa Takes Wing, with illustrations by Julie Downing. He passed away in 2019.
Brian Floca is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Medal winning and
New York Times bestselling book
Locomotive, as well as
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 and
Lightship, both of which were Sibert Honor winning books. He is also the illustrator of the popular
Poppy series, by Avi. Visit him at BrianFloca.com.
"A touching and atmospheric picture book."
—Wall Street Journal ★ "By turns verbose and spare, the late Jackson’s text works well with Floca’s illustrations, which are rendered in a soft palette to showcase the natural world’s elegant beauty. . . A powerful celebration of the parent-child bond and the moments that make an impact."
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review ★ "The story transcends its setting and, in some sense, it speaks for all children missing a parent who was called away for military service. A heartfelt, timeless picture book."
—Booklist, Starred Review ★ "The effective interplay of text and art makes this slender tale of reminiscence unforgettable."
—The Horn Book, Starred Review "Closely observed writing brings sensations to life."
—Publisher’s Weekly "The story is relevant in describing the emotions of a child missing someone any time, for any conflict. . . A perfect text to use for personal narrative units."
—School Library Journal
