Books give dad the gift of family love
ghter WHEN little Evie May’s Chief Petty Officer dad Bradley Lynch goes on deployment, she has books written specially about him, thanks to her mum Hayley.
Hayley Bosworth, 36, was on maternity leave this year, when she decided to write a book for six- monthold Evie, about what Dad does when he is at work.
“I came up with the idea of writing a children’s book for my daughter when I was nursing her at 2am,” Hayley said.
“I was watching her sleep and thought that it would be nice for her dad to read a book to her about what he does in the Navy and how important he is to not only our family, but to Australia.
“I also intended for the book to read to her when her dad was away from our family and hopefully it would provide some comfort.
“When Brad comes home, and she hears his voice her face lights up, so I am aware of their strong connection and it is up to me to make sure I keep up that connection.”
Hayley said her own father was in the Army and she was used to moving around a lot.
“The wording is quite basic and repetitive but it reinforces that Daddy is important not only to us but to Australia,” she said.
“I have kept the wording very positive, the word goes: “My mum ( or dad) makes me feel safe because my dad ( or mum) is in the Australian Navy.
“These men and women who go away, do a fantastic job and it is important that we recognise that. I am a big advocate for them.”
Each page of the children’s book has a teddy bear in ADF uniform and tells about the work their mother or father does.
Hayley, an Adelaide- based human rights and youth criminal lawyer, said she gave the book to her partner as a gift and he was so excited with the result, he posted it on Facebook.
“We received a lot of interest from Defence friends and I began selling the book online,” Hayley said.
“I had a lot of requests for a ‘ mum’ version of the Navy book and then Army and Air Force books also.
“It’s fantastic, and so now I am juggling that and having a six- monthold.”
She said the Air Force book was in the production stage and should be released within the next month.
The books can be purchased at h t t p : / / w w w . t h e p o p p y e m p o r i - um. com. au