A boy with a father in the military reflects on cherished memories of a camping trip with Dad in this warm, reassuring picture book.

Written by acclaimed author Richard Jackson and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca, this timeless story is a perfect Father’s Day tribute.

A red Jeep on a dirt road, two sets of hands on the wheel; fresh-caught trout grilling over a fire; a night in a sleeping bag, the moon glowing outside the tent. Camping with his dad near Michigan’s Au Sable river, a young boy collects these indelible memories, and more.

Now war has called his father away, to drive a different kind of Jeep, and the memories are even more precious. One day soon, he hopes, Dad will come home, and they’ll be headed back into the woods, off to make more.  

Acclaimed editor and author Richard Jackson drew from his own experience for this tender story about the lasting impact of quality time with a parent, especially poignant for military families. Caldecott Medalist and Sibert Honoree Brian Floca’s warm, lively illustrations pair perfectly with Jackson’s timeless words.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“A touching and atmospheric picture book.”—Wall Street Journal

★ “The story transcends its setting and, in some sense, it speaks for all children missing a parent who was called away for military service. A heartfelt, timeless picture book.”—Booklist, Starred Review

“Closely observed writing brings sensations to life.”—Publisher’s Weekly

★ “By turns verbose and spare, the late Jackson’s text works well with Floca’s illustrations, which are rendered in a soft palette to showcase the natural world’s elegant beauty. . . A powerful celebration of the parent-child bond and the moments that make an impact.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The story is relevant in describing the emotions of a child missing someone any time, for any conflict. . . A perfect text to use for personal narrative units.”—School Library Journal