SWO Navy Children’s Book | My Mommy, My SWO
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SWO Navy Children’s Book | My Mommy, My SWO
My Mommy, My SWO is a heartfelt SWO Navy children’s book written for military kids and Navy families. Told through the eyes of a child, this hardcover story helps young readers understand underways, deployment, separation, letters, and the joy of homecoming when Mom serves at sea.
A Surface Warfare Navy Story for Military Kids
Written by Matthew E. Miller, a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, My Mommy, My SWO brings an authentic look at Navy life to children ages 5 to 14. The story helps explain what a SWO does, why a Navy mom sometimes has to go away, and how families stay connected during time apart.
This military kids book gives children a comforting way to understand the pride, sacrifice, and connection that come with having a parent in the Navy. From tearful goodbyes to meaningful letters and joyful reunions, the story helps children feel supported, included, and proud of their Navy family.
Why This Navy Deployment Book Stands Out
- Authentic Navy details: Features real Navy imagery, ships, uniforms, and life at sea, including the Littoral Combat Ship and Navy 2POC uniform.
- Child focused storytelling: Explains underways, deployment, and separation in a way that feels gentle, clear, and reassuring.
- Written by a U.S. Navy SWO: Created by a Surface Warfare Officer with firsthand experience in Navy life and military family separation.
- Built for connection: Helps children understand letters, memories, family pride, and homecoming while Mom is away.
- Meaningful Navy family gift: A thoughtful book for deployment preparation, homecomings, birthdays, classrooms, and bedtime reading.
Who This Book Is For
My Mommy, My SWO is ideal for children whose mothers serve as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, a Navy SWO officer, or in the Navy more broadly. It is also a meaningful deployment book for families looking to explain military separation with warmth, honesty, and hope.
Whether your child is preparing for Mom’s next underway, missing her during deployment, or celebrating her return home, this story creates a bridge between Navy service and a child’s heart.
About the Author and Illustrator
Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he now lives in San Diego, California, with his wife Jaclyn, their sons Mason and Hayden, and their dog Olivia. He wrote this book to help his own child understand why military parents sometimes have to go away.
Olena Taranenko, a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator, brought the story to life with emotional, detailed artwork. During the project, her town was attacked, and the book was paused until she safely relocated. Her work reflects resilience, courage, and the power of storytelling.
Publication Details
- Title: My Mommy, My SWO
- Publisher: UMBOBOOKS.com
- Publication Date: September 30, 2024
- Edition: First Edition
- Format: Hardcover
- Size: 7.5 inches wide by 10 inches tall
- Print Length: 32 pages
- Language: English
- Reading Age: 5 to 14 years
- ISBN: 9798991120401
A Meaningful Navy Family Story
My Mommy, My SWO is more than a story. It is a tool for understanding, pride, and connection within military families. This SWO Navy book helps kids see the courage behind service and the love that remains strong through every underway, deployment, and homecoming.
Designed for family storytelling
Ideal for explaining deployments and underways to children while fostering family pride and connection within Navy life.
About the creators
- Author: Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he now resides in San Diego, California, with his wife Jaclyn, an audiologist serving active duty service members. They are raising two boys, Mason and Hayden, alongside their dog, Olivia, and Miller wrote this book to help his son understand why sometimes he has to go away.
- Illustrator: Olena Taranenko, a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator, brought the story to life. During the project, her town was attacked, and the book was paused until she safely relocated, a testament to her resilience and commitment to art.
“This book beautifully captures the pride and challenges of Navy life, creating a heartfelt connection between children and their military parents. It is a meaningful tool for fostering understanding and appreciation within military families.” — CAPT (Ret.) Bud Weeks, Director of Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling, Surface Warfare Schools Command
Publication details
- Publisher: UMBOBOOKS.com
- Publication date: September 30, 2024
- Edition: First Edition
- Format: Hardcover – Large 7.5" wide x 10" tall, 0.25" thick
- Language: English
- Print length: 32 pages
- Reading age: 5 to 14 years
- Dimensions: 0.25" x 7.5" x 10" (width x height x thickness)
12 Hair & Skin Tone Combinations
Every Hero has a story. Build yours.
Personalize your doll with mustaches, freckles, glasses, custom patches, and more. DIY iron on add ons are sold separately. Custom patches are made to order and may ship separately from your doll.
Little Hero in Action
My Hero Dolls hold over an hour of audio, and each one is re-recordable and rechargeable. They stay charged when not in use, so your hero is always ready to be there when they’re needed most.
My Hero, Always With Me
Perfect for all heroes—parents, grandparents, siblings, or loved ones. Each doll is handmade, customizable, and machine washable, keeping your hero close no matter the distance. Designed by us, the authentic handmade uniforms help children connect their doll to their real-life hero. Add custom patches or iron-on features to make it truly unique.
Answers to your most common questions.
How does it work?
You can easily record audio using your phone, tablet, or any other device and send it home through text, email, or your preferred method. Once received, simply upload the audio onto the recorder, and your child can enjoy hearing your voice right inside the doll. Just press the belly, and the recording will play, creating a personal and comforting experience for your little one.
Is the clothing removable? Do you offer more clothing for the doll?
The short and simple answer is yes! We've already produced flight suits, along with blue and red coveralls, and flight deck jerseys—with even more designs on the way. Our goal is to offer a wide range of clothing options for your Hero dolls as we continue to grow. While we're just getting started, we appreciate your patience. The good news is that flight suits are already on the way and will be available for purchase very soon!
What about the patches...are they removable?
The patches on the doll easily detach thanks to their Velcro backing, and you can even create your own custom patches on our website to match your hero’s. We’ve partnered with CustomSticker.com to produce Velcro-backed PVC patches, allowing you to design and print high-quality stickers that fit perfectly on the patch. Pretty amazing, right? It wasn’t easy finding a company willing to make custom 1-inch stickers, but we did! Huge thanks to Ryan and Maren for making this possible!
Is the doll and clothing machine washable?
Yes, the doll is machine washable! Simply remove any electronic components and accessories, and your doll can be safely washed to keep it clean and fresh. Always follow the care instructions on our "about and instructions page" for the best results.
16 MB... How long is that?
With the current 16 MB of storage, you can record over an hour of audio directly into the doll. In fact, we tested it up to 1 hour and 23 minutes before stopping! Simply hold the recorder up to your phone and record directly into it. Trust us, the audio quality is incredible—it’s even louder and clearer than when you speak into it.
What is the warranty?
We stand behind the quality of all our products. If you encounter any issues with your doll, simply send us an email, and we’ll do everything we can to make it right. Your satisfaction is our priority!