• All Those Secrets of the World by Jane Yolen, illus. by Leslie Baker. (1991) Ages 4-9
• When four-year-old Janie's father goes off to war, the family moves in with her grandparents on Chesapeake Bay, where Janie learns a secret that helps her understand her father's long absence.
• How Do You Know? by Deborah J. Trotter, illus. by Julie Downing. (2006) Ages 3-6
• When Polly awakens to her first foggy morning, Mama assures her all the things she can't see are still there. In a repeated refrain, Polly asks, "How do you know?" and Mama responds, "I just do." This message of faith in the unseen will resonate with many military families.
• If You Listen by Charlotte Zolotow, illus. by Stefano Vitale. (2002) Ages 3-8
• A little girl whose father has been away for a long time wonders how she can know if he still loves her. Her mother tells her she can listen inside herself for his love. Originally published in 1980, this book has recently been reissued with new illustrations.
• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illus. by Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak. (1993) Ages 3-8
• Chester is reluctant to leave his mother and go to school, but Mrs. Raccoon teaches him how to carry her love wherever he goes. Their strategy could easily be adopted by other families facing separations, either short- or long-term.
• My Father is Far Away by Robin Ballard. (1992) Ages 3-8
• A little girl imagines all the important things her father could be doing while he is away from home (we never learn just what he's really doing). Her strategy could work for other children who are too young to understand exactly what is keeping an absent parent away.
• My Red Balloon by Eve Bunting, illus. by Kay Life. (2005) Ages 3-8
• As Bobby waits for his father's aircraft carrier to dock after a long absence, he holds onto a heart-shaped "Welcome Home" balloon and hopes that his dad will recognize him.
• Red, White, and Blue Good-bye by Sarah Wones Tomp, illus. by Ann Barrow. (2005) Ages 6-10
• A little girl whose father is preparing for a six-month tour tries everything to keep him home. While revisiting all their favorite activities one last time, they find new ways to stay connected.
• While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli, illus. by Renee Graef. (2004) Ages 3-8
• Three children express hopes and concerns for parents deployed overseas (one Army, one Navy, and one Air Force). The cozy scenes and happy reunions at the end make this a comforting read.

        You can download the booklist as a pdf.