WHEN DADDY COMES HOME FROM THE ARMY

About the Book

When Daddy Comes Home from the Army is an inspiring story told by a 6-year-old girl who is trying to cope with the extended deployment of her father.  With honesty and emotion, she discusses why her father had to leave, and what her mother does to help her and her brother deal with the separation.  Strategies for parents concerned with how to maintain their child’s equilibrium in the absence of a parent are subtly incorporated into the story.  The story ends in an upbeat and positive way as the girl fondly remembers the special times she has shared with her father, and looks forward to enjoying these activities again once he returns.

About the Author

About the Author:

Jean Belcik Heredia received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University in 1987.  She has taught elementary school for 13 years, primarily in reading education.  When the Army National Guard deployed her husband overseas for a year, Jean searched local libraries for books to share with her children about their deployed father.  When she could not find any, she decided to write When Daddy Comes Home from the Army to help children cope with deployment of a parent.

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About the Illustrator:

Claire Ripley Gentry received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1990.  She has over 20 years experience in illustrating and painting.  She seriously studied porcelain art and incorporates the same techniques in her watercolor illustrations.  Claire started her own studio, Fancy That Art Studio, in 1998.  Besides illustrating children’s books, she designs marketing materials and logos for businesses, as well as creates porcelain ornaments, greeting cards, and murals.