Our Daddy Is Invincible

Gr 1—4—Alexis and Eric's dad is wounded while in service on active duty. Alexis compares him to Superman, invincible and protecting the world. When their mother explains that he has been hurt, they cannot believe that is could happen to their strong father, but they realize that even superheroes can be brought down by the bad guys. The child describes what her dad is doing to get better; the team of people such as speech, physical, and occupational therapists and doctors and nurses to assist in his recovery and rehabilitation; and that family life may be a little different now but things can still be fun. Bright acrylic paintings of military families express love, concern, worry, and hope. Butterflies, a symbol of hope, are hidden on many of the pages. This realistic story ends with a page of photographs and messages from other children of wounded moms, dads, or extended family. This is an important subject about which not much has been written, and the text is informative and reassuring. However, the illustrations are a bit amateurish and stiff. A book to help children understand and appreciate the sacrifice and service our military families make while keeping us safe.—Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO