New Children's Book from Former Secret Service Agent Explores Big Emotions When Parents Travel for Work

On sale everywhere TODAY

Press materials and hi res images are available HERE.

Being away from a child is always hard, but for parents who have to travel often for work, it can be even more difficult. After experiencing the emotional turmoil of being away from his family because of work obligations, author Cory Allen decided to write a book to help kids and parents everywhere process these emotions. Dada Takes a Trip (ISBN 979-8993601007; $19.99), written by Allen and illustrated by Marina Ostanik, goes on sale today, everywhere books are sold. 

“Traveling away from our little ones is hard, made harder by the suitcase full of emotions and guilt we carry with us on our trips,” says Allen. “For me, Dada Takes a Trip makes it a little bit easier, since my son and I read this book before I leave. He can then read it while I’m away, reassuring him that I’ll be back soon and my love, no matter where I am, always remains.”

Dada Takes a Trip helps reassure children (recommended for ages 1-5) that their parents’ love remains, even when they have to go away for a few days. 

Not only did Allen write Dada Takes a Trip as a way to help families process their feelings around separation, but he also realizes that being open about tough emotions, especially as a man, and creating a sense of legacy for family is very important. As an older parent himself, and as someone who is part of the “Sandwich Generation” taking care of aging parents, he understands that time is fleeting and leaving behind physical reminders of love is priceless. Parents and family may not physically be present, but their love, and memories of their love (like Dada Takes a Trip), will last forever. 

ABOUT CORY ALLEN

After spending his career as a police officer, a Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service and, more recently, a Supervisory Special Agent and doting dad, Cory Allen realized he had some compelling tales to share. His first book, an emotional, ground-breaking memoir titled "Breaking Free: A Saga of Self-Discovery by a Gay Secret Service Agent" was released in 2023 to great acclaim.

Cory wrote his newest work, an illustrated children’s book called "Dada Takes a Trip" (releasing February 2026), to help children and adults navigate the difficult and complicated feelings experienced when a parent leaves home on a work trip. Dada Takes a Trip is published by Cory’s latest venture, his own publishing company: Cory Allen Books.