Becky King is a proud military wife and mother. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she currently lives in Lexington and works at the University of Kentucky. During her husband's deployment in Afghanistan, Becky volunteered with the Family Readiness Group, which aids and alerts families of service members. However, her most significant experience with helping others through a family member’s deployment occurred in her own home, where her young son Benson would have days of heartbreak as his father served abroad. After encouraging Benson to express his feelings and addressing his concerns by explaining the selfless service of his father, it dawned on Becky that they were simply lending the world his father. Thus, the book “I’ll Lend You My Daddy” was born, in which children learn to manage the emotional difficulties of deployment. Becky and Benson would put together packages for Benson’s father often. The act of talking about, shopping for Daddy’s favorite things, and making drawings provided fun and comfort. In their spare time, Becky and Benson still make care packages full of pieces of home and drawings done by Benson.
About the Book
Readers' Favorite Award Winner
“I’ll Lend You My Daddy” is a picture book for young children (ages 4-8) in which young boys and girls find ways to manage their feelings about deployment (from goodbyes, to the first night, to missed birthdays) as they eagerly await their fathers’ return.
“I’ll Lend You My Daddy” provides a great source of connection for children with deployed family members to the greater universe of families who go through a similar experience. Reflecting children from diverse families and father’s from each military branch, “I’ll Lend You My Daddy” makes a wonderful book for discussion with military children who have difficulties sorting through emotions such as sadness, fear, or separation anxiety.
What readers are saying...
“This story is told in the voices of children who are experiencing the sacrifice of a father serving our country. They point out how much they miss their fathers, but they focus on activities such as soccer and school plays. They also show how they stay in touch with internet communication, sending drawings and even a piece of birthday cake. In the children’s book, I’ll Lend You My Daddy, written by Becky King and illustrated by Valerie Valdivia, a realistic and poignant portrayal of the sacrifices made by military families is depicted.” - Readers’ Favorite, 5 Star Review ★★★★★
“I’ll Lend You My Daddy, written by Becky King and illustrated by Valerie Valdivia, is an exceptional book that addresses military deployment from the point of view of the child whose loved one is absent. While this book is a must-read for young children experiencing the deployment of a parent, it would also make a great read-aloud selection for all young school children to build appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families. It would be a great addition to every school library.” - Betsy Beard, Military Writers Society of America
“There are very, very few books written from the perspective of military children that acknowledge the underlying sentiment behind a military parent's service (and absence). I'll Lend You My Daddy does so with a grace and positive perspective that lends to its value for military families, substituting the usual discussions of loss and loneliness with those of pride and contribution to a cause. No military family with small children, or collections catering to them, should be without this unique, bright, encouraging picture book that emphasizes pride, reunion, sacrifice, and duty.” - Diane Donovan, Midwest Reviews
“I'll Lend You My Daddy is a powerful tribute to military children and those in uniform serving our country. In a positive and unique way, the author uplifts military children. When dad is away on military duty, this book helps remind children that they have an important job in 'lending their daddy' to help others – they too are courageous and strong. And when dad is home – it is a bittersweet read for the entire family. I highly recommend this book for military families with young children.” - Ckwm, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“This is one of the most beautifully written and illustrated children’s books I’ve ever seen. I purchased the book to give to the children of friends who serve and/or travel for their jobs. The author really captures the unspoken of so many children and parents. It’s truly beautiful! If you know anyone who serves, I highly recommend this as a gift.” - Stacie Linn, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I ordered this book for my nephew's sons who are 4 and 7. It was a big hit! Their dad has been deployed since last winter and he has been greatly missed. I'll Lend You My Daddy helped them understand they are not the only ones missing their dad. Since their dad is in a reserve unit based in another city they don't know the children of other soldiers. The book is very easy to read and the rhyming adds an undertone of optimism. The illustrations are delightful. This book fills a gap that many families have. Thanks to the author for taking her time to provide a much needed resource for our military families." - Sharon Hardesty, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Got a handful of books for deployment. This is by far my favorite. It’s so sweet and tugs the heartstrings every time. It is appropriate for any branch, which was a struggle for us. We are a Navy family, so the soldier books don’t work so much!” - Jarett Perez, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
