What Will I Play While You Are Away?

Deployment Series

A Children's Deployment Book Series by James R. Thomas

The Deployment Series helps military families navigate the emotional journey of separation, reunion, and change with love, pride, and understanding. Written for children aged 3-7, these comforting picture books support them as they learn about deployment, relocation, and staying connected across distance. Each story offers warmth, reassurance, and hope for kids whose parents serve away from home-reminding them that love travels farther than any ship, jet, or base. From goodbyes and new beginnings to playtime, letters, and homecomings, the Deployment Series honors the courage of service members and the strength of the families who stand beside them.

Books in the Series:

Book 1: My Dad Is Going Away, But He Will Be Back One Day!
Book 2:My Mom Is Going Away, But She Will Be Back One Day!
Book 3: What Will I Play While You're Away?
Book 4: We're Moving Today!
Book 5:Kids, We Have PCS Orders!
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Book 3: What Will I Play While You Are Away? (Edition 4)

Newly Updated Cover, Expanded Text, and 14 Added Pages of Art and Activities

When someone you love is far away... what can you do while you wait?

This expanded edition of What Will I Play While You Are Away? offers even more comfort, imagination, and joy for families navigating time apart. With 14 brand-new pages, the book now includes:

• Two new "While You Are Away" explanation pages to gently help children understand why their parent is gone.
• Reading and Drawing activities.
• Building and Imagination Play pages.
• Listening to Music, playing games, also add more everyday ways to stay busy and stay connected.

Through playful rhymes and warm, colorful illustrations, this heartwarming story shows children how love stretches across every mile. Even when Mom or Dad is far away, the bond between parent and child remains unbreakable-strengthened with every letter, laugh, and memory they share.

Perfect for reading ages 3-7, this comforting book helps children find hope, routine, and joy during times of separation.