Duncan and Daisy: Our Deployment Story Book Review
Did someone say deployment?! Duncan and Daisy find out that Daddy is deploying, but what does that mean? Come join Duncan and Daisy as they tell their deployment story.
As a military wife and mom, I have seen firsthand the unique and difficult challenges military families face. Military life is full of many ups and downs, including the dreadful deployments. In 2016, my husband deployed for eight months out to sea. Being our first time going through a deployment with him, our kids, as well as I, did not know what to expect. Deployment was filled with all sorts of unique challenges. Raising our children while my husband was away was not easy. It was unpredictable and stressful for me, and even more so for my kids.
To help my children cope with the woahs of deployment, we turned to children’s books. They are an excellent way to help kids make sense of their military lifestyle, and life changes such as deployment. Books can also be a unique way to start a conversation and help children deal with the range of emotions they may be having.
An excellent book that helps children cope with deployment is Duncan and Daisy: Our Deployment Story by Joy Garcia. This children’s picture book follows a military family and their two dogs, Duncan and Daisy, as they go through their first deployment. The story is told from the perspective of the two puppies. As the story unfolds, they share their experiences of what it is like to have a loved one deploy.
This fun and bright storybook helps young children understand the scary moments of family separation while also showing the joy of reunions. This book also resonates with children and depicts what to expect when the military parent is away and when the parent arrives home and is finally reunited with the family.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Joy Garcia. As we follow Duncan and Daisy through their deployment story, Joy Garcia depicts these scenes with vivid and eye-catching illustrations that both parents and kids will love.
This children’s story has quickly become a favorite in our home. Being a military family is a unique thing to be so we are always looking for books that will resonate with our lifestyle and this book is filled with underlying messages that all military children can relate to.
Why and How to Use it With Your Kids
- An ideal gift for families with young children, preparing for deployment and during deployment
- Use in a variety of settings including at home and in classrooms
- Makes for a wonderful book for discussion with military children who have difficulties sorting through emotions
- A valuable tool for teachers and educators to encourage appreciation for our nation’s armed forces and their families that make sacrafices for our country every day.
Where Can I Find Duncan and Daisy: Our deployment story?
You can find Duncan and Daisy: Our deployment story by Joy Garcia on AMAZON.
Other Books Written By Joy Garcia
You can find more books written by Joy Garcia on AMAZON.
About the Author, Joy Garcia
“Joy was born and raised in California. Joy and her family are currently stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida. Joy has two children, two Chihuahua dogs, and has been married for 13 years and counting. Joy is a stay at home mom and works on her books. She occasionally sells her books in person at her local BX. Sometimes she reads her books at her local library.”
Rapid Fire with Joy Garcia
Q. What does your family think of your writing?
Joy: My husband liked my book ideas and he encouraged me throughout the process. My kids were also very supportive. Their excitement made the process more fun.”
Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?
Joy: a lot harder than I originally thought, but it feels great to see the finished product.
Q. What inspires you as a writer?
Joy: I loved reading picture books to my kids when they were little. I found it to be a great bonding experience. I hope to create that experience for other families.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Joy: I like to work in my garden; it helps clear my mind. I also enjoy going to the beach with my family (we are lucky to be stationed at Eglin AFB, FL, which has a beautiful beach). Taking my dogs on walks is something I also enjoy.
Q. What type of books do you write?
Joy: I write children’s picture books.
Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author?
Joy: I received a review from a parent on my first book (Duncan and Daisy: “Guess what! …We’re moving!”). The parent said my book had helped her eight-year-old, who had been struggling with moving to a new city. That was very rewarding, and it gave me hope and encouragement to continue what I was doing.
Q. Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with your readers about?
Joy: I am working with a counselor on a children’s book about feelings. The book is based on her therapy dog. I will be doing the illustrations.
Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Joy: I hope children will get a better understanding of deployment. Also, I want them to have a sense of security and hope in knowing that deployment is temporary. (I do recognize that some military members do not return home because of tragedy, which is very important to discuss as well, but I’m not a trained professional.)
Q. What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
Joy: My main characters (Duncan and Daisy) are my two Chihuahua dogs. I use my dogs in the story because they bring a lot of comfort to me, and I thought kids might enjoy them too.
My military aspect is from my experience as a military spouse, and also, being a sister of a military veteran. My husband hasn’t deployed yet (he received orders to deploy a few weeks after I wrote this book), but when I was younger, my sister deployed around the time of September 11, 2001. It was a very stressful and confusing time. I didn’t know when she would return, and I missed her very much while she was gone. So, I used those memories and feelings in my deployment book.
Q. Are there any illustrators that have inspired the way you approach your illustrative work?
Joy: Mo Willems, the creator of the Elephant and Piggy books, is who I look up to as an illustrator. He has simple drawings, but the characters are what make the book fun and interesting.
Don't Forget To Join Joy on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
*This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Joy Garcia in exchange for an honest review.
