What My Daddy Loves

Written and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Californian based Raissa Figueroa has written and illustrated this simple yet touching book about the special relationship between fathers and their children. She has dedicated this book to her dad and to all dads claiming what a wonderful gift you have been given. The gift of parenting that is open to all dads.

Dads come in all shapes and sizes. Some have beards and moustaches, others have, dreadlocks, wear an earring and even a hearing aid. But this is a book about how the children see their dad and the special times they share together.

With each double page we have a scene of a father and child enjoying a special moment or activity:  My daddy loves starting the day with me. My daddy loves discovering with me. My daddy loves building with me. My daddy loves sitting with me.

The daddies are actively involved with their child. They play, fix, explore, dream and even garden together. That special bond between father and child is beautifully illustrated in the last sentence of the book, what my daddy loves most of all …is me!

The limited text on each page has a repetitive opening line My daddy loves... Each child shares the things they love about their daddy and the full-page illustrations support the warmth, fun and laughter being together brings. The very first double pages show some illustrated photos of father and child hiking, camping, and visiting a zoo.  This is an invitation for the reader to open some discussion about special times the child has with their dad or carer.

 A simple yet beautiful book for 3 to 7-year-olds celebrates parenting, the importance of fathers and the sheer joy of a child knowing it is loved and cherished.

HarperCollins GB 2023