When Raul Colon was approached by Paula Wiseman at Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers to create illustrations for Dr. Jill Biden’s first children’s book, “Don’t Forget, God Bless our Troops,” we knew that it would be a very high profile project. We could not have anticipated, however, how powerful and moving the story itself would be, and it is truly an honor to have had the privilege of working on this project.
Recently, Raul and principal Gail Gaynin were invited to a private book signing, along with members of the Simon and Schuster family. It was an intimate event exclusively for members of the team that brought this book to life, and in addition to celebrating the timely and inspiring story, hearing Dr. Biden’s motivation for writing the book was particularly touching. As the mother of a soldier, the experience of deployment is something that is very real to her, and she is all too familiar with the oft neglected feelings of fear and concern that accompany the pride of seeing a loved one going overseas:
“Maybe we can…sensitize a whole new generation so that it’s a part of their lives and a part of American culture…so that they’ll do something, commit to an act of kindness….I hope this book achieves this.”
Thank you, Dr. Biden, for your sensitive and compassionate story, and thank you to Paula Wiseman for having the vision to ask Raul to illustrate what is sure to be an award-winning picture book.
Dr. Jill Biden and Gail Gaynin:
Dr. Biden signing Gail’s book:
Raul Colon:
