Considering the many ways 2020 has been mind-boggling, numbing, and disorienting, it makes a huge difference to anchor our lives in some of the steadiest and most validating events and practices. That is especially true for children, but also to anyone (ALL OF US?) who feel battered and bruised by relentless global changes. Recognizing the importance of VETERANS' DAY can be a balm for the spirit.
Here are just a few picture books, fiction and nonfiction, that provide sensitive and worthy stories about varied veteran experiences.
TUESDAY TUCKS ME IN is co-authored by Luis Carlos Montalván and Bret Witter, with photographs by Dan Dion. Service dog Tuesday "narrates" a day-in-the-life portrait of serving Luis Carlos Montalván. Tuesday's voice charms and entertains while impressing upon readers the very serious work of a military service dog. Photos take us right into the time and place of each detail, revealing the depth and trust of their relationship. When the book closes our hearts stay with them both.
HERO MOM is written by Melinda Hardin and illustrated by Bryan Langdo. This is a particularly accessible book for young readers/groups, because each page includes only one sentence, with the illustrations providing extensive content about various military careers to explore and appreciate. Individuals included, both children and the female service personnel, represent diverse identities and contemporary roles. The children celebrate their moms' service by labeling them "super-heroes".
Click HERE to read a wonderful interview with the author about this title, and its companion book, HERO DAD.
If you are out and about today, even in Covid times, you might be handed a little red paper poppy. Most people have only the slightest hint of what that means beyond a passing sense that the poppy is connected with VETERANS DAY. THE POPPY LADY: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans is written by Barbara E. Walsh with gorgeous illustrations are created by Layne Johnson.
This is a true biography, involving research by the author and illustrator from primary sources, archival documents, and interviews with Moina Belle Michael's descendants. This intrepid teacher began during World War I to establish a symbol of respect, memory, and support for soldiers who offered their lives to protect freedom in our country and around the world.
Our US Veterans Administration, "the VA", has a website with many links to ways in which our government is recognizing the service of our veterans. (Click HERE.) As always, here's my reminder that specific days of remembrance are important, but can also be dismissive if they are ignored for the remaining days of the year.
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