Just Like Daddy

June 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-A young raccoon narrator wants to grow up to be "just like Daddy." The cub's role model dad daily demonstrates bravery, kindness, and ingenuity, and is also a top-notch storyteller who knows how to make "all the silly voices." Freegard's sweetly familial watercolor illustrations show a raccoon parent wearing a bow tie engaging with his child in many playful scenes, like cautiously dealing with a spider ("the scariest of monsters"), in the bathroom, and taking an imaginative trip inside a cardboard rocket ship. There are no gender specific pronouns in the text, making the loving sentiments shared in the story relatable. The cub is secure, knowing Daddy's love is unconditional and unequivocal: "Daddy says he'll miss the little me-even my grumpy days, naughty moments, and terrible tantrums.... Daddy says that he will always love me, no matter what." Other life lessons imparted include "nobody is perfect" and "you're never too old (or too young) to try something silly." VERDICT A warm, reassuring choice for Father's Day or one-on-one sharing all year round.Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.