Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Mark C. Fava to bring you this post.
Have you ever wondered how a navy ship is run? Do you have little ones who love ships and everything that moves? Today we are sharing a wonderful book that teaches the lessons from an admiral on a navy ship. The book is Andy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape by Mark C. Fava and illustrated by Agus Prajogo and Yohanes Bastia. After my review there is a giveaway!
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About the Book
Andy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape Written by Mark C. Fava & Illustrated by Agus Prajogo and Yohanes Bastia
Ages: 3+ | 32 Pages | Picture Book | Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8-89138-803-1
Publisher's Book Summary: Climb aboard the Navy aircraft carrier USS Shipshape with Andy the Admiral and his crew! This ocean adventure is packed full of fun and valuable lessons. Readers will discover that the best Shipmates — and the best friends — show kindness, good manners, honesty, and teamwork. Welcome aboard, Shipmates!
Why Readers Love It: A standout choice for families with connections to the military, educators looking for character-education read-alouds, and any child drawn to ships, planes, and adventure on the open sea. Written by a retired U.S. Navy Captain and Naval Flight Officer, the story is inspired by real naval life and traditions — feel free to lean into that angle in your post or caption.
Purchase Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
About the Author
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Mark C. Fava is a career aviation lawyer and retired naval flight officer. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain, having commanded three units, including an aviation squadron, and spent years flying the Navy's P-3 Orion. He was the chief operations attorney at Delta Air Lines on 9/11 and has practiced law for more than thirty years; he is currently a vice president at the world's largest aerospace company. Mark is the creator of the Shipshape Shipmates children's book series and the author of Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, an award-winning leadership book. He lives in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and three daughters.
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From Me:
In this book we meet Andy the Admiral and he tells us about his ship, USS Shipshape. The reader spends the day with the Admiral and sees how the ship operates and how the crew works together. Throughout the book he gives advice based on how he runs his ship and what he expects from his crew. The lessons are things like being on time, being honest, working as a team and so much more. They are lessons that everyone should know. The book shares them with as important characteristics of being on the crew. Kids who love boats and other modes of transportation will get a kick out of the story. It will also be loved by military families.
I also can see this book being used in a class or group setting where there will be a discussion of rules or ways to cooperate. All of the lessons in the books are rules I would want for my classroom. I want kids to be on time; I want them to be honest; I want them to be polite; I want them to work hard and try their best. There are more lessons and each one is something that works in any setting. It could be a discussion of family rules. It could be an introduction for any team. It is also just a great book to talk about behaviors parents want for kids. It is truly a great book to talk about character and being a good and respected person! I hope you will check it out!
Giveaway:
