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Daddy, Can You See the Moon? A Review and Picture Book Giveaway

carolbaldwin
Congratulations to Vijaya Bodach who won ONE WEEK OF YOU from last week’s blog and to Gretchen Griffith who won A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS. 
In Daddy Can You See the Moon? (Spork, 2019) a well-written and beautifully illustrated picture book, author, Gayle Krause, sensitively portrays one of war’s harsh realities: a soldier’s devastating injury. 

Krause‘s rhymes and Carlos de la Garza‘s illustrations, demonstrate three constants in the story: the moon, love, and courage. Before he leaves to serve, the father says: 


Though I’ll be gone 

I have a way 

For us to share 

Part of each day.

At bedtime,  

Look up at the moon 

And I will too. 

I’ll be home soon. 




While his father is away, the little boy counts the days and six full moons pass. Until the day his mother hears alarming news:


She sets down her coffee mug and wraps me in a giant hug.

I wipe her tears, and ask, “What’s wrong?”

She answers “Son, you must be strong.”

Daddy stepped on unsafe ground. His legs were hurt when he was found.



That night the boy looks out his window and fearfully wonders, 

“Daddy…can you see the moon 

Marching in a dream platoon?”

You’re marking time at Soldier’s Gate 

But I hope that you can wait. 

cause Baby, Ricky, Mom and me, 

We need you in our family.

His father comes home and the little boy helps his father rehabilitate. Courage—is shown, not told–through the text and illustrations. 




Reminiscent of one of my favorite picture books, I’ll Love you Forever, the book goes full circle ending with the boy having grown up and now a soldier looking at the moon. He holds his father’s picture while his father—back home—gazes at the moon too. 

See Kathleen Temean’s blog for more information on Gayle’s book journey. 

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her book birthday tomorrow, April 9th, and in conjunction with the Month of the Military Child, Gayle is giving away an autographed copy of Daddy, Can You See the Moon? Leave me a comment by April 11 (with your email address if you are new to my blog) and I’ll enter your name. If you have a family member in the military or plan to give this to a child whose parent is in the military, I’ll enter your name twice. 

Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

58 thoughts on “Daddy, Can You See the Moon? A Review and Picture Book Giveaway”

  2. I can never read ‘I’ll love you forever’ to my grandchildren without breaking down! Just reading your review of this book made me tear up!

    Reply

  4. Wow! This book is going to help military families as they deal with the every day stress and post traumatic stress of military service. I also see this book as one every person should read to gain a better understanding of what families go through and the sacrifices they make for the things we take for granted every day. I have a nephew who is a Marine, so I'm looking forward to reading this important book.

    Reply

  6. Another beautiful book with an important message. Sounds like a much needed book especially for military families. Thanks Carol, for exposing us to such a wide array of wonderful books.

    Reply

  8. Oh, this must've been hard to write. I've read a couple of soldier memoirs and they're so courageous. God bless our servicemen and women. I got my copy of Lisa's book and already enjoying it. Really well done!!!

    Reply

  10. Dear Carol,You find the neatest books and authors to share with us. I love this story. I don't have anyone in my family or close friends who are in the military. So don't add my name to the list. Just wanted you to know that I love moon stories.Sincerely,Never Give UpJoan

    Reply

  16. Danielle:Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the giveaway and thank your family member for me for their service. :)Gayle

    Reply

  19. Joan:Glad you like the premise of Daddy, Can You See The Moon? And by all means, if you win the giveaway, donate it to a library. This mirror story of true lives needs to be shared with children everywhere. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.Gayle

    Reply

  22. This sounds like a must read kind of book! Since I won recently, don't add my name to this drawing, but I did want you to know how much I enjoyed reading about this new book. That, and that I received my copy of Alice Duncan's book, A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks. It is as beautiful as I thought it would be! Thank you.

    Reply

  25. Dear Gayle,You're welcome for my loving the premise of “Daddy, Can You See the Moon?” I will find a good home for the book if I win. Dear Carol,It was me that misunderstood. Your words were clear. Sorry.It's all clear now. Thanks again for the great post.Never Give UpJoan

    Reply

  31. I can never read ‘I’ll love you forever’ to my grandchildren without breaking down! Just reading your review of this book made me tear up!

    Reply

  33. Wow! This book is going to help military families as they deal with the every day stress and post traumatic stress of military service. I also see this book as one every person should read to gain a better understanding of what families go through and the sacrifices they make for the things we take for granted every day. I have a nephew who is a Marine, so I'm looking forward to reading this important book.

    Reply

  35. Another beautiful book with an important message. Sounds like a much needed book especially for military families. Thanks Carol, for exposing us to such a wide array of wonderful books.

    Reply

  37. Oh, this must've been hard to write. I've read a couple of soldier memoirs and they're so courageous. God bless our servicemen and women. I got my copy of Lisa's book and already enjoying it. Really well done!!!

    Reply

  39. Dear Carol,You find the neatest books and authors to share with us. I love this story. I don't have anyone in my family or close friends who are in the military. So don't add my name to the list. Just wanted you to know that I love moon stories.Sincerely,Never Give UpJoan

    Reply

  45. Danielle:Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the giveaway and thank your family member for me for their service. :)Gayle

    Reply

  48. Joan:Glad you like the premise of Daddy, Can You See The Moon? And by all means, if you win the giveaway, donate it to a library. This mirror story of true lives needs to be shared with children everywhere. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.Gayle

    Reply

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