As we continue to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child, we recommend young readers check out Year of the Jungle. Best known for The Hunger Games series of novels, Suzanne Collins takes a deeply personal turn in Year of the Jungle, a poignant picture book inspired by her own experience growing up as a military child. Coupled with illustrations created by James Proimos, this book captures the perspective of a young girl, Suzy, whose father is deployed during the Vietnam War. At first, Suzy imagines her father’s time away as an adventure, filled with extraordinary jungles and postcards from afar. However, as the months pass and the updates become less frequent, fear and confusion take hold. Through simple yet powerful storytelling, Collins conveys the emotional weight of a child grappling with the absence of a loved one and the unknown.
The book resonates with readers of all ages, particularly those from military families or anyone who has experienced separation. It’s a moving exploration of love, uncertainty, and the ways children cope with difficult emotions. Both tender and thought-provoking, it is a beautiful tribute to the strength of families and the impact of war on those left behind.
