Jack's Daddy

"The purpose of this book is to reach out to children and families who have experienced loss. Jack s Daddy takes you on a child s journey as he connects with his father throughout life s simplest moments. Jack sees and feels his father s love all around him. No matter where he is or what he does his dad is always smiling along with him. This book sprung to life as result of the tragedy of September 11th. A very dear friend was eight months pregnant with her first child and lost her husband on that tragic day. How would her son, Jack, know what a wonderful man his Dad was? We hoped this gift would somehow lessen the pain and teach Jack that his dad will always be with him. Enjoy the happy journey and smiles Jack s Daddy may bring!!"

Dee Kuiken has been a teacher for nineteen years in Ridgewood, N.J. She graduated from Boston College in 1989 with a B.A in Secondary Education and Biology. The Pulse Program at Boston College allowed her to explore an outreach curriculum designed for students to connect on a personal level with children having special needs. She has a M.S. in Biology and an M.A. in Educational Leadership. She was a Commander at the Buehler Challenger and Science Center, a special place for children to live the dreams and mission of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher chosen to go to space. The circumstances of September 11th left a dear friend without a husband and a son who would never get to meet his daddy. Facing a loss of any kind is devastating. Jack s Daddy was Dee s way of demonstrating to Jack the love of his father. Her desire is to help other children in this world who suffer from loss. She is blessed with two amazing sons, Brian and Brett. They touch her life in ways that are simply incredible. She has an amazing network of family, friends and students. They inspire her to open her heart and soul to others through her writing. She currently resides in Wyckoff, New Jersey and continues her aspirations to make the world a better place for children. Illustrator s Biographical Note: Jennifer Beyea-Manke has been an educator in Bergen County, New Jersey for fifteen years. She currently teaches Visual Arts in Ridgewood and previously taught in Bergenfield. Jennifer graduated from Mansfield University, PA as an Art Education major and continued to foster her love of sports as a captain of their women s basketball team. She earned her masters in Special Education from William Paterson University. She instills the love of creating into her middle school students. Watercolors, and computer arts are two of her personal passions. Jennifer combined these to illustrate this very special book. When the tragedy of 9-11 occurred, her family lived less than twenty miles away from Ground Zero. The shock, smoke, and eerily silent skies, remain an unshakable memory. From frustration and a sense of helplessness, grew a purpose. Together with Dee s beautiful words, the two friends teamed up to offer a sense of comfort to those in pain. Our common dream is to reach out to children and families facing a loss of any kind and to remind them that those we love never truly leave us. They live forever in our hearts and in the pages of this book. Most importantly, Jennifer is a very proud Mom of Jake and Eric, her two beautiful sons. Their curiosity and wonder make every day an amazing journey. Her husband Michael and her wonderful family are an amazing sense of support without which, this book wouldn t have been possible. They currently reside in Passaic County, NJ."