When Dad's At Sea

_...Emily_s father, a Navy pilot is leaving for a six-month deployment on an aircraft carrier. Each day he is gone, she removes one link from the paper chain he made for her, so that she can mark the days until his return. She misses him, but finds comfort in his e-mails and calls, and she even makes a new friend. The time frame of the story and the use of sensory details create a strong sense of Emily_s loss, her slow adjustment, and her joy at her father_s return. Steele_s impressionistic, delicately colored watercolor paintings sensitively depict Emily and her surroundings._--Booklist

_Warm text with soft watercolor illustrations results in a sensitive and caring title for those service families who go through long separations from loved ones._--School Library Journal