Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops

Jill Biden, wife of President Joe Biden and First Lady of the United States, is the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Light Enters and her children's books Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops and Joey: The Story of Joe Biden. She teaches English as a community college professor and served as Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. During the Obama-Biden administration and now as First Lady, she advocates for military families, community colleges, the fight against cancer, and women's health research. A mother of three and grandmother of seven, she and her husband live in Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, DC. Raúl Colón has illustrated several highly acclaimed picture books including the New York Times bestselling Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt and Susanna Reich's José! Born to Dance, which received a starred review in Booklist. Mr. Colón lived in Puerto Rico as a young boy and now resides in New City, New York, with his family.

Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops

Jill Biden, illus. by Raúl Colón. S&S/Wiseman, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4424-5735-5
Second lady of the United States Biden turns her family's experiences into an earnest picture book that encourages support of those serving in the military and their families. Natalie (inspired by Biden's granddaughter) misses her father desperately when he is deployed. "Soldiers have to do hard things sometimes," her mother quietly reminds her. But waiting and worrying about her father, and trying to be a strong example for her younger brother, Hunter, are tough. The words "Be brave, Natalie" appear as a frequent refrain as Natalie, Hunter, Mommy, and Nana celebrate holidays and milestones, wishing Daddy could be with them. Packages, prayers, video chats, and kind gestures from friends and neighbors make things a little easier, but nothing can match the joy of the day when Daddy arrives home to his "brave, brave girl." Colón captures the rhythms of everyday family life at school, church, and elsewhere in his textured, mixed-media compositions, depicting several tender moments of concern and love among family members. Biden also includes an author's note, information about the military, and tips for how children and adults can reach out to military families. Ages 5-up.

--Publishers Weekly, May 14, 2012