DADDY & ME, SIDE BY SIDE
Written by Pierce Freelon
“Each day is a grand adventure with the fathers and sons in this family in this lyrical picture book filled with lush illustrations.
A young son and his father trek through trees and listen to birdsong, dig for worms and go fishing, and enjoy the breeze sitting side by side, just like Pop Pop and Daddy did, years ago.
A heartfelt and hopeful tale that touches on grieving the loss of a loved one as a father and son recreate old memories and make new ones in a day-long hiking adventure.”
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May 2023
PRAISE
“This potent, poetic story is complemented by Fisher’s art, which blends soft colors and is full of movement and captures the characters’ expressions. Fisher has a delicate touch, conveying the small pleasures of the great outdoors as well as the importance of giving oneself permission to sit with sadness…Tender and affirming.” Kirkus Reviews
“Softly defined artwork enhances the sense of calm and belonging. A swirling leaf design motif running throughout lends a magical quality to the forest, and a brief scene alludes to grief and loss, acknowledging the missing grandfather, and normalizing feeling sad about that loss…A recommended purchase for sharing one-on-one, with a generational continuity camping theme and as a gentle treatment for addressing loss of a grandparent.” School Library Journal
“The creators move with this sensitive outdoors portrait of the way bonds endure across time and memory.” Publishers Weekly
“A beautiful story about intergenerational relationships, tender memories, and love: a young boy and his father go camping together, retracing the steps and activities the father and his Pop-Pop enjoyed. Warm, colorful art by Nadia Fisher enhances Pierce Freelon's lyrical text. A great addition to any home, library, or classroom.” Candace Spizzirri, author of Fishing With Grandpa and Finley: Moose on the Caboose