Not related to the what the book is trying to depict but I was not really a fan of the illustration to this book or the font used. I will just add I am a veteran and my spouse is still serving and I don't feel like I would personally purchase this for my kids. If one of their parents is away, I feel like reading this book would make, at least my children, question when they are coming home unless I just saved this book for the week or days before their return.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy

I don't have any family members that have served so I don't have any personal experience with this topic, but this book was very heartwarming and a beautiful display of a military family. I especially enjoyed the illustrations and the message that the story conveys. I think this is a beautiful book to read to any child.

What an exciting time! Everyone is excited to go to the airfield to meet daddy's plane because he is coming home! The cupcakes are decorated, and everyone is in their special clothes!
The illustrations by Tim Deberd are detailed, softly colorful, and expressive.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and a great gift for everyone who needs it, including a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-Galley on Adobe Digital Editions from Whimspire Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date 05/06/2025
#FinallyHome by Courtney Cino #tim_deberd #whimspirebooks #NetGalley #goodreads @bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble #waterstones ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #childrensbookcouncil @kobo #Illustrated #happyeverafter #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #picturebooks #kidlitillustration #kidlit #picturebooks #marinecorps #militaryaviation #militarykids

This book was so wonderful! It shows great ways to prepare for a military homecoming in an age-appropriate way. As a military auntie, this would be wonderful to read to my nephews while they're missing their dad. As an educator, this is an amazing way to share what some classmates have gone through or will go through when their parent is away on deployment. The illustrations fit the story perfectly as well. I would love to get a copy of this for my classroom when it is published.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased, honest review of the book.

Finally Home by Cortney Cino is a touching and heartfelt story that beautifully captured the bond between a father and his children. The author does an exceptional job portraying the depth of love, trust and connection children have for and with their father, making it truly a moving read.

The characters are relatable & endearing, and the emotional journey of the family is one that resonates deeply. The children's unwavering belief in their father, their love shining through every challenge, specially while being away from him for a long time, and the way they inspire hope and healing in him are highlights that tug at the heartstrings.

While the story is incredibly touching and well-paced, a bit more backstory or exploration of some side characters could have added even more depth. However, this minor detail doesn’t detract me from the overall beauty of the armed forces' narrative.

"Finally Home" is a testament to the power of love and family, a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys heartfelt, family-centered stories! Mainly from defence backgrounds.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC! This is a great read to add to your veterans day collection- especially teachers! This is a great way to show how soliders come home and how they are welcomed back. This is a great example for kids to see especially if they do not have a family member active in the military.

Cortney Cino’s Finally Home is a delightful children’s story that radiates warmth and comfort while delivering important messages about love, family, and belonging. The story beautifully captures the emotions of finding one’s place in the world, making it a perfect read for children and families alike.

Cino’s writing is engaging and accessible for young readers, with a heartwarming narrative that effortlessly weaves themes of home, community, and acceptance. The characters are charming and relatable, and their journey will resonate with readers of all ages. The illustrations (if applicable) enhance the story’s magic, drawing children into the world of the protagonist.

This book was absolutely adorable and really shows what children of military families go through on the day their love ones finally come home from being gone from home. The graphics were very vibrant and give a great visual to the story. This was a really light-hearted but also emotional book that even adults will tear up to because we have all seen the coming home videos on the internet. I will for sure be buying a copy of this book for my goddaughter when this book is published.

This is a reasonably accurate take on the impatience felt by military kids while waiting for their parents to return from deployment.

I loved this book. The pictures are beautiful. The story is simple but completes the feelings military families (especially kiddos) face when homecoming is near. It's told from the little girl's perspective which makes the anticipation that much more. If you or someone you know will be experiencing a military homecoming, I encourage them to pick this book up.

Finally Home by Cortney Cino is a love letter to those who serve in the military, as well as to their families. It skillfully encaptures a child's perspective on what it feels like to be away from a parent for so long, and the overwhelming joy that comes with reuniting.

A must-read for children of military families!

This is lovely and very sweet. The illustrations are nicely done. I was a military spouse for 13 years and we have been through two deployments, so this gave me all the feels. Our story is a little different than in the book, we picked up my husband from the airport both times, but the sentiment is the same. Definitely recommend to military families!

A very sweet book about having a parent that is in the military.

As a parent of a military child I will be reading this with my daughter. It is well thought out with feeling and the illustrations are lovely.

This book is absolutely incredible. Being in education, this book would be perfect to use with intermediate elementary students for rich discussion about characters. The illustrations are also beautiful!

4.5 stars

-Positive Content-

▪ I loved the vintage illustration style! It was realistic looking with soft hues. Almost like watercolor.

▪ The writing style is great for younger children as it has a 'learning-to-read' level.

▪ I was pleased to see that all of the couples in this book were traditional marriage couples.

-Negative Content- (Not much)

▪ A few of the dresses worn by some female characters were slightly short, and one neckline was just a little low.

Other than the one thing mentioned above, I really liked this book.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC e-book copy of this book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

I thought that this book was excellent.

It is well written, easy to follow and understand and it has some lovely illustrations. It really showcases the excitement that they go through ahead of them coming back, the wait, making the poster, baking their favourite cupcakes, etc.

The book focuses around the return of the children's daddy who is coming home following service completed overseas. It is a lovely tribute to them and what the families go through and how much they miss their family member that is serving personnel.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

I received a free copy of, Finally Home, by Cortney Cino, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sara and Lucas's dad is finally coming home, from serving his country. This was a really sweet thank you, to the men an women who serve our country.

Pulls You In

Such a heartfelt book that captures the excitement military families go through awaiting their loved one returning home. I think this book could be a great tool for children that are experiencing their first welcome home from a deployment or did not remember prior ones. This could be good to read before a deployment and in the days leading up to the return date.

The illustration of the drawings has you pulled into the excitement of being in the house and even on the military base. The details were on point and immerse you into the experience.

I received a free copy of this book from Cortney Cino and Whimspire Books. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

I love this book! As someone who works with kids this is a great book about soldiers coming home! I really like how the mom and was “momma” as it’s the term I grew up using and I don’t often see it written out! The only line I thought was odd was the kids playing “toss” on page 8. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it called that and would probably have put “catch” or “ball” instead. Great book!