An almost wordless picture book captures anticipation, drama, and joy as it follows a boy at the airport waiting for the arrival of an airplane carrying troops coming home. “Waiting” is the only word on the opening spread, in which the red-shirted boy stands at the front of a group of people eagerly watching for the plane. Then the plane lands and he and the others spill onto the tarmac. “Go!” The boy witnesses a series of reunions — a female soldier with her dog, a young couple (“Sheesh!” is his comment on their kiss), a father and daughter. “Where is…?” he wonders as he searches through the crowd. A variety of perspectives, including a wonderful overhead view, allows readers to focus on the boy while visually following other stories. Finally, he spots the person he’s come to see. Only the soldier’s boots and duffle bag are shown before a turn of the page reveals the boy’s joyous face: “Mom!” In an author’s note Greg Ruth writes,”No soldier goes to war alone ... I felt getting this right was the most important way to honor those fortunate enough to come home to the loving arms of those whom they have left behind.” (Ages 4–9)

The story of military homecomings, Greg Ruth's Coming Home focuses on a boy reuniting with his military mother, as well as other reunions (and dogs!).

Every day, soldiers leave their families to protect others.
We love them. We miss them when they're gone.
And we want them all to come home.
They are our heroes.