"…an excellent resource for families of deployed mothers with young children." — Midwest Book Review The activities in this fun 112-page activity book reinforce concepts young children are already learning and give them a safe way to ask questions, talk about their feelings, and feel connected to a deployed parent. Four sections (Getting Ready for Deployment, Deployment, Getting Ready for Reunion, and Reunion) provide appropriate activities for each stage of deployment, from packing and saying goodbye to welcoming Mom home. Includes mazes, dot-to-dots, counting, matching, coloring, crafts, telling time, and other activities familiar to preschool and elementary children. A fun book for children and an excellent resource for parents, teachers, counselors, and other caregivers to help young children feel a part of the deployment process and prepare them for what's coming next. This book is specific to a mom deploying. A version for deployed dads is also available. "...organized to help children find ways to explore their feelings about their parent's deployment. Filled with games, puzzles, activities, and imaginative exercises, My Mom's Deployment is invitingly decorated with black and white illustrations, ready for the creative child's coloring attentions. ...many more creative suggested activities help to manage the hurt and loss experienced by children of deployed mothers. ... an excellent resource for families of deployed mothers with young children." —  Midwest Book Review "…excellent resource for parents, teachers, counselors, and other caregivers to help young children feel a part of the deployment process and prepare them for what's coming next." — Operation We Are Here With careers ranging from preschool teacher to psych nurse, JULIE LABELLE 's most challenging role was mothering her three young children during her Marine husband's deployments, and then years later standing by when their son enlisted and deployed with the Marines. Julie wrote the activities in My Dad's Deployment and My Mom's Deployment based on things she felt she should have done with her children, but didn't, during deployments. With 20/20 hindsight, Julie gets a do-over in life by sharing activities for young children that will be loved by parents and children alike as they face deployment together. Born overseas to multicultural parents, CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ grew up as an Air Force brat, moving from place to place. Christina loved to draw and paint. She was awarded a generous scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design where she earned a fine arts degree in illustration. Christina is an award-winning children's book illustrator. She drew on her experiences growing up in a military family to bring a range of emotions into her  Coloring My Military Life—Book 1  coloring book pages as well as her paintings for the award-winning picture book  The Wishing Tree  and her illustrated activities in  My Dad’s Deployment  and  My Mom’s Deployment.