Book Review: This Is My Dad by Dimity Powell & Nicky Johnston

Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Some have two parents, and some don't. This Is My Dad came about after the author drew inspiration from teacher-librarians who noticed that there were a lack of stories reflecting children who have never known a father figure in their life. 

The story is about a young boy named Leo who loves Show and Tell at school, but when he finds out the latest topic - Tell Us About Your Dad Day, he is filled with concern. Leo has never met his father, so how can he celebrate along with his classmates? Leo doesn't have a courageous, smart or cool dad, or any dad at all. Or does he?

Leo lives with his mother, who is an author of children's books and spends her days (and some of her nights) using her imagination to come up with stories.  Is she the solution to Leo's dilemma?

This book acknowledges single parents and the important roles they play to their children. It celebrates families of every shape and size, and highlights the fact that whilst the presence of a male role model is helpful to a child's upbringing and well-being, it is not always possible or realistic, and there are many other carers that are equally as worthy of celebrating.

This Is My Dad is available now through EK Books, RRP $24.99, for readers 4-8 years old.