"Jerome’s mother is a sailor. When her ship is in home port, she comes home at night, but when it goes out
to sea, she hugs him good-bye and asks him to be brave. Jerome doesn’t feel brave. Though some things
are good, others (bedwetting, a skirmish at school) are hard. Still, Jerome’s dog, his father, and his teacher
help him to cope with his fears and keep his problems in perspective. As the story ends, Jerome sees that
even though he feels “a little bit afraid the whole time,” he is being brave, and he looks forward to telling
his mother so when she comes home. Written in short, simple words that read aloud well, the believably
childlike narrative tells of Jerome’s pleasures, frustrations, and worries. The realistic watercolor
illustrations express nuances of emotion through body language and facial expressions. Creating a vivid
and ultimately moving portrayal of Jerome’s life while his mother is away, this picture book is sure to
resonate strongly with children whose parents are on active duty in the military and with many other
readers as well."
     —Booklist