Books for Parent Deployment for Ages 0–3

When a parent leaves, a toddler doesn't understand timelines or reasons. They just know someone important isn't here. These 23 books offer the only thing that helps at this age: the simple, repeated promise that the person who left is coming back.

23 books

Finding Nemo

Walt Disney

When young Nemo is taken from the Great Barrier Reef, his overprotective father, Marlin, teams up with the forgetful Dor

Ages 3–7

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Where's My Mom?

Julia Donaldson

A young monkey loses his mother in the jungle and enlists a kind butterfly to help him find her. This rhyming tale featu

Ages 3–7

Bitty Bee Books Alphabet Series #13

M Is For Military

Bitty Bee Books

For children in military families, this alphabet book introduces the unique vocabulary of service life, turning unfamili

Ages 2–6

I'll See You when the Moon is Full

Susi Gregg Fowler

For the child feeling anxious about a parent's upcoming trip. A comforting look at how the moon's changing shape can hel

Ages 3–7

Hush-A-Bye Bunny

Holly Surplice

Bunny happily completes his bedtime routine, but when it's time to sleep, he gets tearful. Mommy Bunny offers gentle wor

Ages 2–5

Llama Llama

Llama Llama Meets the Babysitter

Anna Dewdney, Reed Duncan

When Mama Llama announces she's going out and a new babysitter is coming, Llama Llama's worries begin to grow. But with

Ages 3–7

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa

Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama is excited for his first sleepover at Gram and Grandpa's, but when bedtime comes, he realizes he forgot his

Ages 3–7

Clifford the Big Red Dog #3

Clifford Takes a Trip

Norman Bridwell

When his family goes on vacation without him, a lonely Clifford sets off on an epic journey, overcoming obstacles to fin

Ages 3–7

A Rhyming Picture Book for Children

A Grannie's Love

Joy Joyfully

Journey with a young child and their Grannie as they share deep affection in this tender, rhyming tale. It's a perfect b

Ages 3–7

The Berenstain Bears #18

The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma's

Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

When Mama and Papa Bear go out of town, Brother and Sister Bear spend a week with their grandparents. They discover that

Ages 3–7

Goodnight, My Duckling

Nancy Tafuri

Follow a sleepy duckling who dawdles and gets left behind by its family. Luckily, a friendly face appears to guide the l

Ages 2–5

Fly Guy #11

Ride, Fly Guy, Ride!

Tedd Arnold

When Fly Guy is accidentally blown out of Buzz's car, he embarks on an unexpected, action-packed journey, hitching rides

Ages 3–7

Where Is Baby's #2

Where Is Baby's Mommy?

Karen Katz

Join baby in a fun game of hide-and-seek to find Mommy behind the flaps! This interactive board book is perfect for pare

Ages 0–3

Sometimes Love

Katrina Moore

For the child facing a big move or saying goodbye to a parent, this story provides comfort during the many transitions o

Ages 3–7

Dad is with you everywhere

Ashley Schwab

For the child grappling with the loss or absence of a father. This soothing story offers comfort by showing how a father

Ages 3–8

The Bench

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

For families celebrating the evolving love between fathers and sons, offering a warm look at modern family connections a

Ages 3–7

On the First Day #1

On the First Day of Kindergarten

Tish Rabe

Based on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," this engaging picture book counts down the exciting "firsts" of kindergarten, f

Ages 3–7

Waddle, Waddle, Quack, Quack, Quack

Barbara Anne Skalak

Follow a tiny duckling on its very first day as it discovers the wonders of the world, only to find itself lost. This to

Ages 3–6

Bobo the Chimp #1

Hug

Jez Alborough

Bobo the chimp is looking for a hug, but none of the jungle animals can give him what he truly needs until he finds his

Ages 2–5

Pocket Kisses

Willa Perlman

When Mommy leaves, she shares special 'pocket kisses' for every moment of the day, from boo-boos to bedtime. This intera

Ages 2–5

Love, Mama

Jeanette Bradley

When Mama penguin leaves for a trip, young Kipling misses her terribly. But a special note reminds him that Mama's love

Ages 2–5

The Prison Alphabet

Bahiyyah Muhammad

An alphabet book designed to help children understand and cope with the experience of having an incarcerated parent thro

Ages 3–7

Zippy the Penguin

Zippy the Penguin Misses Mama and Papa

Miguel Palomino

For the child struggling with separation anxiety or missing a parent who is away. This gentle story validates the ache o

Ages 3–7