MCH Section member Dr. Chanda Nicole Holsey has written and self-published her first children’s book, Savvie Sunshine, Will You Remember Daddy When I Am Out to Sea? The book is a charming story that addresses the separation anxiety experienced by Navy dads when facing military deployment. This book is important because in our society, men are often socialized to hide their feelings or withdraw, even when a man has to leave an adored young child who he is really just getting to know. This book focuses on how moms and children can help relieve dads’ nervousness from having to depart from the family. It is entertaining, yet instructional. Savvie Sunshine, Will You Remember Daddy When I Am Out to Sea? is a delightful book that kids will enjoy and parents will appreciate and embrace. The characters in Savvie Sunshine, Will You Remember Daddy When I Am Out to Sea? are African-American, since a significant percentage of enlisted Navy personnel are ethnic minorities, which are currently underrepresented in published military children’s books.
Dr. Holsey is the founder of Healthy Aims for Little Ones and for their Families (HALO for Families), an organization whose mission is to meet the unique physical health, mental health and social needs of children and families by identifying, developing, and promoting high quality, relevant resources that are child-focused, family-centered and culturally and developmentally appropriate. HALO for Families salutes all Navy dads.
For more information about HALO for Families or to purchase a copy of Savvie Sunshine, Will You Remember Daddy When I Am Out to Sea? click here.
Dr. Holsey has earned a Doctor of Public Health degree in Maternal and Child Health, and a Master of Public Health degree in Behavioral Sciences/Health Education. She has a passion for influencing children and families, especially the under-served and indigent. She has worked with young children for much of her professional career in the area of health services and also understands the importance of emotional health and early literacy development. Dr. Holsey can offer a unique perspective on the topic of the difficulties with family separations that are long term, as she is the wife of an enlisted sailor and the mother of a toddler.