Military families aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico gathered at the Gen. Alfred M. Gray Marine Corps Research Center on Friday for “Books and Breakfast,” an event celebrating International Children’s Book Day. Four authors featured on the recommended reading list of Bonnie Amos, wife of the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, attended. Reading from their works were Holly Scherer, Sue Hoppin, Elaine Dumler and Shannon Maxwell.

Smooth jazz melodies from the Quantico Marine Band entertained the crowd, while Maxwell, author of “Our Daddy is Invincible” and “Big Boss Brain” read to a group of about 25 children. 

Maxwell’s book, like many on the list, draws from her experiences as a military spouse.

When her husband, Lt. Col. Tim Maxwell, returned home in 2004 with a traumatic brain injury, she found few resources that could help their children cope with a wounded parent. The experience motivated her to create a children’s book to help other families facing similar situations.

Scherer, author of “1001 Things to Love about Military Life” and “Help, I’m a Military Spouse,” spoke to military parents about different strategies that can help children adjust when a parent is deployed. She said their emphasis is to push Amos’ goal of building a strong community support system among Marine Corps families.

“We want to let [military families] know there are military spouse authors out there with inspirational messages to share,” Scherer said.

Tammy McClung, who came with her husband and their three children, said the event was a great diversion and gesture of support.

“Our kids really enjoyed it,” McClung said. “I think it’s awesome that these authors came out to support military families.”

Richard Freeman, base librarian said they’re working on creating a book club for the reading list, to serve as a place for ongoing community-based support. All books on the recommended reading list are available at the base library and Marine Corps Exchange.

— Staff Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com