My Amazing Dad

My Amazing Dad written by Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Tom Jellett (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921894862

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Individuality, embracing imperfection and the warmth of unconditional love are at the heart of this sweet ode to dads.

Told from the perspective of a young boy and his little brother (with their ever-present crocodile and red frog in tow throughout the book), the narrative opens with ‘My dad is not like other dads’, building anticipation straight away.

Jellett’s illustrations depict a lovable yet goofy-looking father, appearing comically dazed at the responsibilities that await. As it turns out, he’s not so good at mowing lawns, fixing taps or baking cakes, but that doesn’t matter to the kids when he creates a maze in the grass, makes bath-time a mess of bubbles and takes them to the cake shop instead.

While some stereotypical chores that are traditionally expected of dads are included, they are seamlessly mixed with other more equitable expectations, like taking the kids to school or reading them a bedtime story. Mum arrives home at lights-out time at the end, presenting readers with a realistic look at contemporary families, where gender roles are much more fluid.

Creativity is another theme at this book’s core; after all, who wouldn’t rather arrive at school via a supersized hopscotch or listen to stories in a makeshift tent past bedtime? Jellett’s vibrant, full-bleed illustrations on each page beautifully highlight the fun and joy of a childhood made all the more exciting by this amazing dad’s ideas.

The release of My Amazing Dad is timed perfectly for the lead-up to Father’s Day, and sends positive messages around togetherness, fun, affection and love, and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

My Dinosaur Dad

My Dinosaur Dad by Ruth Paul (Scholastic NZ)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-77543-174-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop


Every Dinosaur in this irresistibly cute book has a Dad who is special in his own unique way. Each sounds different, looks different and moves differently. As the young reader turns each page, the sparse text and vibrant pictures shows this variety of dads.

With an even rhyme and consistent rhythm, the text describes straight-forward concepts:

    This dad is tall,

    this dad is squat.

    This dad is huge,

    this dad is not.

And yet the story builds up to an exciting level until the last two pages provide a conclusion which is both surprising and satisfying.

The colourful illustrations show dinosaurs with plenty of personality and other animals alongside them. There is a grumpy tortoise on the whistling dinosaur page who is just delightful. Young children will find this a highly entertaining book, especially dinosaur mad boys (or girls) who may well find similarities with their own dads - prickly, tickly, snoring, tall or hungry!

This is a perfect book for fathers to read to their littlies. Perhaps this Father’s Day?

Dads: A field guide

 Dads: A Field Guide by Justin Ratcliffe, illustrated by Cathie Glassby (Random House Australia)
HB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781742755496
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Released in time for Father's Day, this book is a celebration of the vast range of different types of dads. The book opens with an intrepid researcher in the Dads Research Laboratory who ventures into the world to view fathers in their natural habitat. As he discovers, no two dads are the same. They come in all shapes and sizes and with different personalities.

However, the big question remains: what is the best kind of dad? Luckily, this is a question that every child will know the answer to. It is, of course, 'My Dad!'

Illustrator Cathie Glassby has long being recognised in the fashion and music industry. She has been nominated as one of the world's most exciting female illustrators. In Dads, every child will have fun picking out the features their own dad has from the fun and colourful depictions.

Dads: A field guide has been included in the Get Reading! 50 Books You Can't Put Down.

My Fantastic Father

 My Fantastic Father (Little Mates) by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Scholastic Press)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-032-2
                                          Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

My Fantastic Father is fun! Felix and Freya have fantastic fathers and this Little Mates celebrates all they can do from fixing footballs to frying flapjacks on Fridays. The story describes how two friends decide to do something for their Dads at the Father’s Day festival.

This story is a delight to read aloud as each page is like a tongue twister. Young children will love the alliteration and laugh at the antics of Felix, Freya and their fathers and possibly think up more “F” activities that their own fathers can do.

The illustrations are charming and they bring the personalities of Felix, a kangaroo, and Freya, a crocodile, across in an interesting and light hearted way.

Little Mates is a series of alphabet books featuring Australian animals and friendships. My Fantastic Father is a stand-alone companion to this series and is out as a special for Father’s Day.

My Dad’s the Coolest

 My Dad's the Coolest by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $16.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-0742-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

With Father’s Day coming up it is the perfect time to be reminded about all the cool things dads can do.

In the latest picture book, written by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley, we see wonderful relationships between fathers and their children. From the rooster who tickles his chick to the mountain goat who climbs with his kid, these animal families are having fun together.

The illustrations are bold, bright and strong with much humour and warmth shining through. The text is simple, spare and direct. Preschoolers will understand and identify with the emotions beneath the words and pictures. “Dad is very brave, and clever too.”

The story is a simple message told in a lively and enjoyable way. This is a beautiful book and a delight to read.

Bruce Whatley is a much loved and awarded picture book author and illustrator. He has co-written several books with Rosie Smith including My Mum's the Best and Danny da Vinci: The Flying Machine of Lombardy.

30 Things My Dad Taught Me

30 Things My Dad Taught Me by Ian, Paul and Denis Baker (Exisle Publishing)
PB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9780980812985
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

30 Things is written by three brothers to honour the memory of their father Leon James Baker. Anecdotes about Leon and of Baker family life from each of the boys fill the book. Leon's wise words and actions highlight the type of man he was and his legacy. There is no doubting the deep love held this man held for his sons, and his sons for him.

The book is a celebration of family life and as such the authors' mother is also included in many of the stories. Inspirational quotes and personal stories are shared. There are also pages where sons and daughters can reflect and write things their own fathers taught them as well as things they would like to teach others. To me, this is the core of the book: the giving and receiving of love.

This is a truly touching book and one that will leave a mark on all who read it. It would make a perfect and personal Father's Day gift.