My Daddy is a Hero

PreS-Gr 2—Tolson's heartwarming portrayal of caregivers who work in the military explores the plethora of ways they can serve. Each spread begins with the titular phrase and then highlights different aspects of military work. The playful acrylic/crayon artwork depicts pilots, chaplains, mechanics, medics, dog handlers, musicians, and more, expanding the idea of what it means to be a hero. Binoculars, stethoscopes, and screwdrivers are the tools of their trade. No guns are depicted here. My Daddy is a Hero focuses more on nurturing qualities and is especially effective when the dads use those same skills to connect with their children at home. My Mommy is a Hero drives home themes of strength and leadership and deals more with being on the front lines and distance and danger. Not overly patriotic, the first-person narratives keep the books grounded in things that matter to children—feeling safe and loved, even when a parent is off helping others. Young kids will enjoy pointing out the camouflage endpapers that grace both volumes.