Educational Elements

1.  Positive messaging for children, including those from military families, about the importance of:

  • the work of military personnel, particularly Special Operators, to keep the world safe from baddies;
  • health of body, mind and spirit;
  • living in the service of others;
  • global themes, including the commonality amongst parents wishing for better futures for their children, regardless of where they live;
  • love amongst families and friends … and as part of a broader humanity.

2.  Age-appropriate information about:

  • the U.S. Navy SEALs and other Special Forces, including those from Allied nations;
  • the Navy SEAL Ethos;
  • values of the United States and Allied nations, including democracy, freedom, protection of the vulnerable, valor, courage and bravery;
  • the meaning of “Lionheart” as an acronym for the values it represents … Leadership, Integrity, Ohana (family), Never give up, Honor, Excellence, Adventurous, Respect, Tenacity;

3.  Gentle messaging about the capabilities of girls that should not be underestimated.

4.  Bright and engaging electronic watercolor style illustrations:

  • by a talented young gent from Ukraine, who drew the illustrations over approximately 18 months, while enduring the impacts of the War in Ukraine;
  • to engage children in the story and promote recall of concepts and guidance including: 
    • Special Operators’ activities, including to seed age-appropriate conversations;
    • box breathing in response to any “amygdala attack”;
    • trusting “yuk guts” feelings if something doesn’t feel right;
  • of features of Special Operators, including:
    • surveillance and intelligence gathering;
    • equipment, including Night Vision Goggles;
    • mission planning;
    • training and mission activities, including fast-roping;
  • with gentle references to amuse adults and children.

5.  Footnotes to: 

  • explain definitions, concepts and historical information;
  • reference real people whose biographies are included at the back of the book.

6.  Biographies of real people reference in characters' names, with permission:

  • to enable children to learn of, and be inspired by, their: 
    • extraordinary lives of service;
    • challenges they have overcome, including during childhood;
  • to use as a foundation for children to prepare school projects, reports, presentations and fancy dress for Book Week celebrations.

7.  Messages about how to spend time engaged in positive and beneficial activities during parents' deployments.

8.  The use of a poem in French (with translation) and a Latin phrase.

9.  References to compass directions, accompanied by illustrations of compasses.

10.  A detailed explanation of the Poem Code system used by Churchill's Special Operations Command during WWII, which children and deployed parents may use as an entertaining way to stay in touch during deployments, which also promotes literacy.

11.  Numbers in words and digits, for familiarity and association.

12.  A bibliography of books included on the shelves of the illustration of the Deer President, written by several real people referenced in the characters.