I wrote my new patriotic children's picture book The Flag Keeper as I wanted to educate children about U.S. flag etiquette in a fun way. Children learn about the history and meaning of the flag in school, but I don't recall every learning about flag etiquette - things like being careful not to let the flag touch the ground; having it lit by a spotlight at night; the meaning of an upside-down flag; and how to retire a worn flag.
In my book, a bear named Elizabeth wants to prove to her father that she can take responsibility for their flag while he is away on a business trip. Through a comedy of errors, she finally manages to create her own "Independence Day." In addition to the fiction story, the book also includes flag facts and discussion questions. I added the questions and facts so that parents, teachers, troop leaders or librarians could discuss respecting the flag and therefore reinforce the meaning of the book.
I thought The Flag Keeper was a suitable title for the book, as children are the future keepers of the American flag.
In my book, a bear named Elizabeth wants to prove to her father that she can take responsibility for their flag while he is away on a business trip. Through a comedy of errors, she finally manages to create her own "Independence Day." In addition to the fiction story, the book also includes flag facts and discussion questions. I added the questions and facts so that parents, teachers, troop leaders or librarians could discuss respecting the flag and therefore reinforce the meaning of the book.
I thought The Flag Keeper was a suitable title for the book, as children are the future keepers of the American flag.