MY REVIEW
Andy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape follows Andy, an Admiral aboard the USS Shipshape, as he and his crew prepare their enormous aircraft carrier for a journey out to sea.
Before they can leave, there’s plenty to do. The ship needs to be clean, everyone needs to arrive on time, and every sailor has a job to complete. Once they’re underway, Andy takes us around the ship, from the bridge and engine room to the dining area and busy flight deck, where aircraft soar overhead. But Andy has another job too. As the crew works, he shows them that the little things matter. Be polite. Tell the truth. Ask for help when you need it. Work hard. Keep your promises. And, most importantly, look out for your fellow shipmates.
Eventually, the USS Shipshape sails safely home, where the sailors are welcomed back by their families and friends.
I found the book really charming. I loved getting a glimpse of what happens aboard an aircraft carrier, while the story quietly shows children that good character isn’t complicated. It’s built from small choices we make every day. A sweet, unusual children’s book with a big ship and an even bigger heart!
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
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.
Website | Instagram | Facebook
GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a hardcover copy of Andy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape. Open to legal residents of the USA — see full giveaway rules and terms on the landing page.
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