Dad By My Side

I'm a professional writer, so I get picky about children's books. This one has the most magical, loving, sweet pictures, and the writing is simple enough to let the pictures shine. My partner (who is male) commented on the fact that there are tons of mother books that are wonderful, but not many good father books (and a lot of them seem to reinforce weird or creepy notions of gender). We had the Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too one, which is very sweet and which my partner would read all the time to my daughters, and also a Daddy Hugs board book, but that was about it. So I did a bunch of research and found three daddy-daughter books for my girls to give my partner. I also like the Eric Carle one about Papa and the moon because of the whimsical drawings (though the storytelling feels a little light), but I think this is my favorite. It gets at some beautiful thing at the heart of fatherhood, and it's not afraid to show a dad looking a little less masculine and tough in order to love his daughter. It teaches my daughters an important lesson in gender as well as father stuff.

I supposedly got this for my 3 y/o daughter, and she does like it, but the truth is I’ve been captivated by this artist’s father-daughter paintings since I first stumbled onto them online a couple years ago. It’s a great reminder for us dads that you’re not less of man because you learn how to braid her hair or sew her doll a new dress or whatever, you’re MORE of a man for doing these things for her - especially in your little girl’s eyes. Highly recommended for any guy with a young daughter (or one on the way!)

I purchased this for my husband for Father’s Day (“from” our 2 year old daughter), as he does bedtime stories with her every night, and he absolutely loved it. He said he teared up after reading it to her the first time. My daughter loved it so much that she demanded he read it two more times (and now she demands he read it every night). It’s a sweet book with beautiful illustrations.

Ever notice how few Dad books there are? We bought a series of books (how to babysit grandma, babysit grandpa, raise a mother) but there wasn't a good Dad version. (the dad book in the series is How to surprise Dad) This was the closest I could find to fit the other 3 books. It's a cute book with pretty illustrations but I wish the illustrations of the Dad were a little more mainstream. Which is why it only gets 4 stars. I should add too, the book is lost on toddlers. I'm thinking it's for the over 3 or 4 crowd because it doesn't hold the attention of a 2 year old.

I saw the art work from the author a couple of years ago. I was struck with how well she captured the relationship between a father and his young daughter; so many of the illustrations reminded me of my relationship with my daughter. I was hoping that one day the artist would turn these illustrations into a book. The book makes my love the illustrations even more. I can't wait to see what she comes up with for some of her other illustrations.

The artwork is touching and thoughtful provoking. The writing could be a little more finely tuned, but the pictures send a message to both reader and little onlookers.

I got this book for myself for father’s day. It’s one of my favorite books to read to my daughter. Also of the content is think I hope to remind my daughter everyday. Really a great book for a Dad that just wants to share and be in touch with his emotions. I also like when my wife has to read it, she gets a little jealous lol

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One of my 3 daughters has always to,d me this is how she remembers me when she was little.So, I pre ordered it as a surprise for her.Two arrived.She’d pre ordered one for me too.Definitely a wonderfully illustrated and warmly conceived ‘dad and daughter’ experience.Beautiful little book... thank you author and illustrator.

I had to share with you this find. I got it for Sophia and Daddy as a Christmas present.I try not to buy new things. But this was must!Book full of love, fun and mischief.It made me feel sad that I do not have daddy by my side.It is lovely to see message from the author. She spilled her soul on this pages. I am glad that her creativity supported her in times of her sadness.

Bought this book as a gift for Father's Day to my husband and we all love it. I have to admit that I prefer much more the illustrations than the text itself, but they really do speak louder than words. It is a perfect gift to all fathers of daughters.

Love, love, love this book! It can make the best Christmas or fathers day gift!

Highly recommended great value, design and quality.