Aleesah Darlison (text), Kelly O’Gara (illustrator), The Daddy Shop, Wombat Books, August 2018, 32 pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925563511
Tai, has been long awaiting the upcoming Father and Son picnic; but is so disappointed when he finds out his dad cannot make it due to work commitments. He quickly discovers a possible solution… visiting the Daddy Shop and selecting from the array of Daddies available there! But will this prove to be the solution he was seeking?
We join together with Tai as he explores different types of Daddies such as Out-and-About Daddy and Around-the House Daddy; a journey that essentially brings Tai to understanding exactly what he does want in a Dad. Aleesah Darlison has nicely captured the essence that all dads are different, and makes celebration of this.
The story connects strongly to parents/ carers who can relate to the inner conflict often presented when working life can make it difficult to be as available as desired to share in experiences with their children. It equally connects to children who would love to create more opportunities and time with their parents/ carers.
Kelly O’Gara does beautifully with her digitally drawn illustrations in this book; creating a warm, contemporary feel, and lovely world for readers to become immersed in.
Certainly a wonderful book for Father’s Day, and a great way to celebrate Dads at any time of the year.
Reviewed by Sonia Bestulic
