The Journey Begins
"My Friends at Patriot Pines Daycare" is a heartwarming children's picture book that honors military families through the eyes of the youngest heroes-the children. Told in gentle rhyming verse, this story follows a group of animal friends whose parents serve in the U.S. military. Whether their loved ones are in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force, each child proudly shares what their parent does and how they stay strong while apart.
Set inside a cozy daycare tucked within a tall pine tree, the story centers around friendship, emotional growth, and the power of shared experience. The children, guided by their warm and nurturing teacher Ms. Liberty, play, learn, express their feelings, and support one another through the ups and downs of military life. Together, they build forts, create art, share meals, and even learn about military history-discovering that love and bravery come in many forms.
This inclusive, age-appropriate book is designed especially for military children ages 2 to 6. It helps little ones understand their emotions, feel proud of their family's service, and know they're not alone. Whether a parent is deployed, in training, or serving nearby, "My Friends at Patriot Pines Daycare" provides a sense of comfort, connection, and belonging for young readers and their families.
Written by a service member, former military child, and mother of two, this story reflects a lived understanding of the strength, resilience, and heart found in military-connected families. This book is a loving tribute to the little ones who serve in their own way-by being brave, kind, and understanding. "My Friends at Patriot Pines Daycare" is ideal for families, military child development centers, and early learning classrooms seeking to support and celebrate the unique journey of military children with warmth, pride, and joy.
The Author Behind The Mission
Cassandra Massano is a military officer, former military child, mother of two young boys, and proud law enforcement wife. With 17 years of service in both the active duty Air Force and the Air National Guard, Cassandra brings a lifelong connection to military service and a deep understanding of what it means to grow up in a family that serves.
Cassandra is the daughter of two military parents and spent her childhood as a military brat-learning early how to adapt, stay resilient, and make friends around the world. Now, as a service member and mother, she carries those lessons forward as she raises her own military-connected children. Her experience on both sides of the uniform inspired her to create Little Heroes Publishing LLC, a mission-driven children's book company that exists to make kids in service families feel seen and heard, and to support all families who serve-military, law enforcement, first responders, and beyond.
Her debut book, "My Friends at Patriot Pines Daycare," is a warm and lyrical story written especially for children ages 2-6. Cassandra writes with love, empathy, and a commitment to helping young children feel proud of who they are and where they come from. She knows that service families carry a unique kind of strength-and that their children often grow up faster, feel deeper, and love harder.
Cassandra lives with her husband, a police officer and veteran, and their two sons. As a parent, a partner, and a person who serves, she is passionate about storytelling that uplifts the quiet courage of those who serve behind the scenes-especially the little heroes at home.
