Dimity Powell (text) and Nicky Johnston (illustrator), This is My Dad, EK Books, March 2022, 24 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922539076
A simple yet valuable story about the influential figures in a child’s life.
The perfect dad isn’t always a father.
Leo retreats when his teacher announces their latest Show and Tell task which is to introduce and celebrate their dads. How can Leo do that when he has never met his dad and doesn’t know anything about him?
It had always been just Leo and his mum, that’s all he knows. His mum is a writer who creates imaginative stories just about anything, new worlds, interesting characters, and crazy adventures.
Leo tries to imagine what his dad might be like and even asks if his neighbour could step in for the celebration of dads at school. But when it comes to the day to share, his notebook is empty. What is he going to do?
It’s then that Leo realises something readers have known all along. He does know someone who is brave, strong, kind, and amazing, and it’s the perfect person for him to share with his class – his mum!
This story explores themes of family and relationships, creativity, and imagination. These messages are reflected not only through the text but also through Nicky Johnston’s warm and inviting illustrations.
Reviewed by Raquel Mayman
