Peg Glisson (Children's Literature)
Daddy is a Navy man, about to be deployed for six long months, “way too many days” for our young protagonist. As he gathers things to pack, she runs away (not far, to the shed), climbs inside his duffle bag, and hides his boots under her pillow. Each time her father helps her work through her painful feelings, giving her ways she can feel connected to him while he is away: through the red flag on the mailbox, the white clouds in the sky, and the blue ocean water. Barrow’s softly colored watercolors capture the mess of a house (and family) in transition and include many details that help bring this little girl and her family to life. Although contrived and written for a purpose, it works. Not only will it help youngsters going through such an upheaval, it could also be used to help other children understand what a tough situation this is. 2005, Walker & Company, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 6))
Parents looking for ways to reassure children about extended separations will appreciate a serviceable portrayal of a difficult situation. The unnamed narrator explains that her daddy, who serves in the navy, will soon be leaving for "six months, half a year, way too many days." She expresses her unhappiness by running away (but not too far), attempting to hide herself in her father's duffle bag and by hiding her father's boots. In response, her father points out ways that they can feel close to each other-by sending letters (symbolized by the red flag on the mailbox) and by remembering that the white clouds above and blue sea below are shared by both despite the distance. This red, white and blue connection is clearly contrived but surprisingly successful. Barrow's watercolor-and-color pencil illustrations, while occasionally awkward in the depiction of people, help to bring the purposeful plot to life, picturing a loving, close-knit family, an attractive seaside setting and including appealing details such as a beloved stuffed animal. 2005, Walker, 32p, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 8. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2005)
Dad offers comfort to his daughter as he packs his sea bag for a Navy tour. He points out the red mailbox flag, white clouds, and the blue ocean as things that connect the two of them while he is away. The art is unimaginative and the prose is bland, detracting from the potential emotional impact of a difficult family situation. Category: Picture Books. 2005, Walker, 32pp, 16.95, 17.85. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 5: Marginal, seriously flawed, but with some redeeming quality.

Dawn Cobb (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 18, No. 1))
This is a story of a young girl who is having to say goodbye to her father who is in the Navy. His tour of duty at sea will last six months. The story depicts the child’s feelings perfectly. The father tries to tell his daughter how they may remain close in his absence. A very touching story for many children who find themselves in similar situations. This wonderful story could be used with a Naval family. The characters are nameless except for generic terms, Daddy, Mommy, me (I); when reading this to a young child personalized names could be substituted. Fiction. Grades Preschool-2. 2005, Walker, Unpaged., $16.95. Ages 2 to 8.