My Dad, My Hero, by Kacey Hoysted, is a short, rhyming picture book about a kid whose father serves in the army. The child talks about Dad’s “cams and combat boots,” the obstacle courses, the late nights, the gear, and the long stretches apart, then circles back to how much fun they have together and how he is their hero who helps keep them safe. The last pages invite children to write a letter to their own hero parent and add a picture, and there is a heartfelt note from the author, plus a closing “Lest We Forget” spread filled with poppies and a glowing sky.

I really liked how simple the writing is. The rhymes feel natural and light, and they roll off the tongue when I read them out loud. There is no heavy explanation of war or danger, just small kid-sized details like painted faces, staying awake until sunrise, and missing Dad when he goes. It lets the big emotions sit in the gaps between the lines. The repetition of “my dad” and “my hero” gives the book a steady rhythm, like a heartbeat in the background, and it makes the story feel like a little poem a child might actually come up with.

The book treats military life as something real and tough, but also full of love and pride. I felt a tug in my chest when the art switches to silhouettes in the poppy field and again in that final “Lest We Forget” page, because it nods to sacrifice without spelling it out. The activities at the end are a sweet touch. They turn the book into a keepsake, not just a quick bedtime read. Kids can claim their own hero, whether that parent is deployed, training, or working odd hours, and that feels both comforting and empowering.

I would recommend My Dad, My Hero to military families and especially to kids who have a parent in the army or any service role that takes them away from home. Hoysted’s book is idea for classroom discussions about remembrance days or service and sacrifice because it offers a very soft, age-appropriate narrative. It is short, warm, and easy to share, and it opens the door to big conversations without feeling scary.

Pages: 26 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GKD3542T