Daddy & Me, Side by Side is a poignant, heartwarming picture book about a father and child’s camping adventure – it’s a very similar adventure to the one that Daddy went on with his own father…
The Story: A young child wakes up in a tent with Daddy. It’s the start of an adventure which includes trekking through trees, listening to birdsong and fishing. They follow the same paths and look under the same stones that Daddy did with his father, Pop Pop. A campfire, marshmallows and a comforting hug end their perfect day – a day which ultimately involves three generations of the same family.
Daddy is a wonderful role model who gives his child the same care and experiences that his father gave him. The gender of the child isn’t specified in the text which allows all readers to identify with their experience. Their enjoyment of outdoor activities is interwoven with memories of Daddy’s adventure with Pop Pop who appears with a young Daddy in several of the illustrations.
We love Nadia Fisher’s gorgeous illustrations, they brilliantly evoke the simplicity of the adventure and the bond between father and child. Her use of predominantly earthy colours, greens and browns, pulls us into a natural world of climbing, fishing and hiking.
We particularly love this illustration with its inky blue sky. It perfectly captures the love that is present throughout the book and the bond between father and child as they take time to acknowledge how much they miss Pop Pop.
Daddy & Me, Side by Side is a beautifully illustrated celebration of the bond between a father and his child. We love the warmth and supportiveness of their relationship and the different emotions they share – joy, happiness, grief – whilst reminiscing. It’s a fabulous story to stimulate discussion about childhood memories and is a wonderful celebration of the natural world and all the fun outdoor activities that it has to offer.
Age Range: 3 +
Author: Pierce Freelon / llustrator: Nadia Fisher
Thank you to Wunderkind PR for sending a review copy of this beautifully heartfelt book which would make the perfect gift for Fathers Day.
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