[linfoster]

Hi, I am a single mom trying to make a living. I'm an Army brat (my dad served in the Korean War) and I am an author of military books and would like to author one specifically aimed at younger children. Could any of you share what you would like to see addressed in such a book for a child who's parent is away serving our nation? There is nothing out there for children ages 0-6, and I plan on writing a book for each branch of the military- the themes may be the same but the illustrations will vary. If you have any thoughts on what you would like to read to your child, please let me know. I'm also going to be donating a portion of all proceeds to a non-profit organization that assists military families. If you know of any that are particularly good, please let me know that as well.

Thank you all for your sacrifice and consideration,
Linda

[PennySteed]

I think that what you are doing is really great. I have two young boys, 5 and 8 (they were 4 and 7 when I left) and recently returned home from Iraq. I will be back there in 10 months. Yeah. Anyways, for my eldest I worked something out with my son's teacher so that I was writing to his class every week, but my little one was left out. I think for him the hardest part was the feeling that I was choosing the AF over him. It was especially true once I was extended over there. Most of the time, the kids wanted to know what my days and nights were like, where and what I ate, what my room looked like, what work was like. That sort of thing. It helped that I would write each of them every week (snail mail) so that they knew that I was thinking about them. I think drawings of military members with photos and kid's drawings around there sleeping and work areas to show that we are always thinking of them, along with bubbles over the members thinking and dreaming of them.

Good luck with your book.