Reviews of Boo Boo Bear's Mission
"Your story is absolutely delightful. With its rhymed meter, colorful illustrations, and inspiring message, I am certain the tale will be endearing to many children. Your story also underscores many deeper, imporant messages, including the significance of recognizing the difficult sacrifices military families are asked to make. I share your commitment to honor our brave military families and applaud your efforts to acknowledge these individuals through a book that is appropriate for the numerous children who, like your own family, know firsthand the hardship that comes when their dad or mom is deployed."
-Mary Pawlenty, First Lady of Minnesota
“Since ancient times, it has been known that reading with children has healing qualities. Boo Boo’s special journey to Iraq provides not only a delightful story for children of all ages to enjoy, but also is the conduit for children and adults alike to sort out emotions and problem solve together when faced with the hardships of military deployment of a loved one. Mary Linda Sather uses a very special teddy bear to tell this touching story through the eyes and art of children.”
-Voula Heffernan, School Social Worker and Early Childhood Parent/Family Educator (retired)
"The book has a very healing message to all disrupted lives and separated families. I could have used it in 1944."
-Grazina Kulawas who as a young child was separated from her family when she was sent to live in a Displaced Persons camp in Europe during WWI
“From an author whose life is a testimony to the value of connection, Boo Boo Bear’s Mission is a compelling story for children, parents, grandparents, school counselors, and others dedicated to supporting children who are experiencing the deployment of a loved one. In a true spirit of love and service, Boo Boo Bear’s heart-touching story inscribes a circle of love that encompasses generations and oceans. Accompanied by a rich potpourri of activities which empower children to identify and embrace a full range of emotions, this story will generate discussion, coping strategies, and love from the pre-deployment stage through a family’s reuniting. Boo Boo Bear’s Mission is a sensitive, beautiful, and insightful story, honoring the depth of family connection and the resourcefulness of children and their families to thrive in love despite separation.”
-Sally Jo Blair, M.A., K-12 School Counselor and author of a collection of resources for school counselors
“I have tears in my eyes! This is absolutely the best kids’ deployment book I’ve read. It identifies and validates the emotions of so many children in Air National Guard families. Helping our nation’s smallest heroes understand the depth of their feelings isn’t an easy task. Boo Boo Bear’s Mission is a wonderful tool that can help give children words to express those feelings. The discussion topics and activity suggestions give caregivers another resource to open the lines of communication. Enjoy sharing this book with children who are experiencing separation. It is written with a warm and loving heart.”
-Jennifer Kuhlman, MN ANG 148th Fighter Wing Family Programs Coordinator
“As a psychologist, who works with many hurting and grieving children, I know that anything that helps these children to open up and express what thoughts and feelings are inside them, is healing. This beautiful and heartfelt book will help them do that.”
-Catharine J. Larsen, M.A., Licensed Psychologist
“I like that Boo Boo Bear had a fun adventure, but came back home when it was all over. It makes me feel better about my mom's deployment. I know when she is all done she will come back safe, just like Boo Boo Bear. I think I will send my bear, Cashew, with my Mom on her deployment."
-Luke Stauber, eight-year-old son of Air National Guard mom scheduled to be deployed to Iraq
“This wonderful story combines sensitive text with engaging children’s illustrations. Mary Linda Sather provides the perfect blend of a heartwarming story and difficult subject matter. Boo Boo Bear’s Mission serves as a springboard for discussion and caring. It would be a welcome addition in any classroom, library, or home.”
-Elizabeth Bartel, second grade teacher and 2009 Nominee for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
“Mary Linda Sather combines rhyming text, illustrations by children, and adventures on a guard base in faraway Iraq to inform and comfort young children. Boo Boo Bear’s Mission is an important book.”
-Brenda Sederberg, Kindergarten Teacher and Nominee for 2009 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award
“I can relate to Shea Leigh’s feelings because my mom went to Iraq. When my mom was deployed, I got a teddy bear with a message from her on the bear’s vest. It made me sad when Shea Leigh’s dad had to go to Iraq, but when she sent Boo Boo Bear it made me feel better because her dad would know that she was there for him when they were so far apart.”
-Skylar Gunderson, ten-year-old daughter of Air National Guard mom
“I liked the picture of Boo Boo Bear in the jet because it made me feel good that he kept Shea Leigh’s dad company while he was so far away.”
-Zach Gunderson, eight-year-old son of Air National Guard mom
"We loved your book and were absolutely thrilled that we were listed as a resource in the back! Thank you. We are in the process of updating our booklist, and Boo Boo Bear's Mission will definitely have a spot so that our Servicemen and women who are separated from their families can benefit immediately by reading your story aloud on DVD.
-Kara C. Dallman, Director of Business Development, Metro DC United Through Reading.