Camouflage Mom: A Military Story about Staying Connected

Sarah is happy to finally see her mom after two months of boot camp but she feels a distance between them that’s more than the physical space that separates them. Is that her mom who stares straight ahead in a line of soldiers when Sarah calls out for her? Is that her mom who stomp stomp stomps in big, heavy boots and hides in camouflage clothing? Using the analogy of links in a chain, Camouflage Mom is the story about how Sarah reconnected with her mom after her mom joined the military.

Elif Balta Parks is a cheese lover, hamster admirer, chocolate connoisseur and a prolific Children’s Book Illustrator. She grew up in Istanbul, Turkey next to the bright, blue Bosporus and even as a child knew she wanted to be an artist. She then also completed a degree in Business and went on to study at Central St. Martins School of Fine Art for a short time before embarking on her first books. Elif strives for bright, cheerful illustrations that capture the joy of childhood. Since starting her professional career she has illustrated over 60 Children’s Books and is ready for so many more. ＂Like many people, Sarah Hovorka wasn’t sure what to do with her life. After obtaining a degree in Anthropology and starting a career in the public sector, Sarah became a mom and homeschooler full-time. When a major health crisis hit and left her disabled, Sarah resolved to pursue a closely guarded dream... writing. Now Sarah is the published author of Hattie Hates Hugs (2022) and the upcoming Same Love, Different Hug (2023) as well as short stories. In addition to writing, Sarah works in the public sector and spends her free time with her husband and three sons in California.