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My Dad, My Rock
THIS EDITION OF THIS BOOK IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE THROUGH ITS ORIGINAL PUBLISHER (LINGUACIOUS). A NEW EDITION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN MARCH 2024 BY SCRIBBLE.
⭑ A Kirkus Reviews' Best Book of 2022 ⭑ A Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book for Father's Day (2022) ⭑ A Foreword Indie Award Finalist (2022)
⭐ "A beautifully illustrated, touching tale of love." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Santos offers a poignant picture of multigenerational fatherhood in this tender tribute." - Publishers Weekly
"Such a heartwarming book. Beautifully written and illustrated." - author-illustrator Eric Fan, from The Fan Brothers
"A touching title for good dads everywhere." - author/librarian Betsy Bird (A Fuse $8 Production, Evanston Public Library)
A MOVING CHILDREN'S BOOK ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A FATHER AND SON AND ABOUT THE POWER OF LOVE.
Oliver never met his grandpa. He wonders what he would tell Grandpa if the two of them could meet, even once. Oliver decides that he would tell him about an amazing man that Grandpa never Oliver's dad, Grandpa's own son. In this touching and heartfelt story, you will be taken on a journey of what it means to be a dad and to be the master of your own destiny.
⭑ A Kirkus Reviews' Best Book of 2022 ⭑ A Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book for Father's Day (2022) ⭑ A Foreword Indie Award Finalist (2022)
⭐ "A beautifully illustrated, touching tale of love." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Santos offers a poignant picture of multigenerational fatherhood in this tender tribute." - Publishers Weekly
"Such a heartwarming book. Beautifully written and illustrated." - author-illustrator Eric Fan, from The Fan Brothers
"A touching title for good dads everywhere." - author/librarian Betsy Bird (A Fuse $8 Production, Evanston Public Library)
A MOVING CHILDREN'S BOOK ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A FATHER AND SON AND ABOUT THE POWER OF LOVE.
Oliver never met his grandpa. He wonders what he would tell Grandpa if the two of them could meet, even once. Oliver decides that he would tell him about an amazing man that Grandpa never Oliver's dad, Grandpa's own son. In this touching and heartfelt story, you will be taken on a journey of what it means to be a dad and to be the master of your own destiny.
34 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2022
6 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 16, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
My Dad, My Rock is a beautiful, illustrated picture book for children about the relationship between father and son. In the story the little boy asks his father is his father (the boys grandfather) was a magician because he disappeared when his father was a boy. The boy lists all the things he would tell him about his son if he ever met hid grandfather. This book shows how the boys father has stepped into his role as a father through unconditional live for his son and how he will always be there for him no matter what and teaches him many important life lessons along the way such as independence, chasing your dreams and to not be a stereotype but be yourself, flaws and all.
This is so beautifully illustrated and has a whimsical feel to the story. This would make a lovely gift for fathers day.
My Dad, My Rock is a beautiful, illustrated picture book for children about the relationship between father and son. In the story the little boy asks his father is his father (the boys grandfather) was a magician because he disappeared when his father was a boy. The boy lists all the things he would tell him about his son if he ever met hid grandfather. This book shows how the boys father has stepped into his role as a father through unconditional live for his son and how he will always be there for him no matter what and teaches him many important life lessons along the way such as independence, chasing your dreams and to not be a stereotype but be yourself, flaws and all.
This is so beautifully illustrated and has a whimsical feel to the story. This would make a lovely gift for fathers day.
April 9, 2022
4.5⭐
This is such a lovely and wonderful tribute to all dads! I love how this book celebrates the relationship between a father and son. The illustrations are beautiful and so evocative. A must-read, especially if you want all the feels!
Thank you to Linguacious and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This is such a lovely and wonderful tribute to all dads! I love how this book celebrates the relationship between a father and son. The illustrations are beautiful and so evocative. A must-read, especially if you want all the feels!
Thank you to Linguacious and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
June 6, 2022
Another picture book that I won from Goodreads' FirstReads.
A very touching story about a dad who is very supportive, though his father wasn't around for him when he was a child. The illustrations are charming.
A very touching story about a dad who is very supportive, though his father wasn't around for him when he was a child. The illustrations are charming.
March 30, 2022
What a sweet story, perfect for bedtime. I laughed at a few lines, as will most parents. Well written and the illustrations are calming to look at.
March 17, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is My Dad, My Rock, written by Victor D.O. Santos and illustrated by Anna Forlati, a very tender ode to the relationship between father and son.
When Oliver (identified by name on the back cover but not within the story) innocently asks his father why his grandpa “disappeared,” it sparks a meditation on the close relationship the boy shares with his own father. His dad is protective, encouraging, and kind. He comforts Oliver when he’s scared, teaching him to manage his anger yet express his feelings (“I think men who don’t cry aren’t real”). He’s never afraid to be goofy or give hugs. And when Oliver grows up to be a daddy, he hopes to be just like him – if only with a little more hair.
Phenomenal. On the surface, this is simply a classic story about the love between fathers and sons, with a surprising non-traditional twist (context suggests that Oliver’s grandfather abandoned Oliver’s dad before his dad was born). Yet the qualities that Oliver chooses to celebrate in his dad also tell a story of anti-toxic masculinity; of a man raising his son to express love and sadness, temper aggression, and not let the opinions of others define his identity (a telling scene in which Oliver’s dad does a silly dance while a stranger gives him a frowning look exhibits this beautifully). It’s subtle and meaningful, and beautifully written and illustrated with warmth and simplicity. The length is great for a storytime, and JJ and I really loved this one. A fantastic celebration of fatherhood, and we highly recommend it – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 16, 2022
Beautiful, heart warming story
An extremely heart-warming and soul touching story about a boy's view of his father that everyone should read.
Oliver never met his Grandpa and Grandpa never met his son (Oliver's dad). Oliver thinks about how he would describe his father to his Grandpa. He would say his dad is amazing. He is loving and caring but also silly and strong. His father is a teacher, a guide, and a good listener. His father is all the above and more.
We always talk about how amazing mothers are and how they handle and take care of many things (which mothers are and mothers do,) but you don't hear the same as often about fathers. And I have rarely seen books about fathers - that too about the way a child feels and views his/her father.
I think it is great that author has written such a book. It's needed. Fathers do a lot and they should equally be represented in books.
To be very honest, it is hard to describe the wonderful feeling you will get reading this book. It will move you and make you smile and even make you want to cry. The author has done such a wonderful job in maintaining a loving and child-like tone throughout the story. The story flows nicely from beginning to end. You really feel like a little kids is talking to you about his dad.
What I really like is in the end, the characters are shown to be a part of a mixed raced family. This aligns to the current world we live in and we should continue to see more characters as such.
The illustrations are beautiful. I don't know the style but it goes well with the story. They add to the loving and child-like tone of the story. The illustrations depict the story very nicely.
Great work by the author and illustrator and everyone involved.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. Everyone should get a copy.
An extremely heart-warming and soul touching story about a boy's view of his father that everyone should read.
Oliver never met his Grandpa and Grandpa never met his son (Oliver's dad). Oliver thinks about how he would describe his father to his Grandpa. He would say his dad is amazing. He is loving and caring but also silly and strong. His father is a teacher, a guide, and a good listener. His father is all the above and more.
We always talk about how amazing mothers are and how they handle and take care of many things (which mothers are and mothers do,) but you don't hear the same as often about fathers. And I have rarely seen books about fathers - that too about the way a child feels and views his/her father.
I think it is great that author has written such a book. It's needed. Fathers do a lot and they should equally be represented in books.
To be very honest, it is hard to describe the wonderful feeling you will get reading this book. It will move you and make you smile and even make you want to cry. The author has done such a wonderful job in maintaining a loving and child-like tone throughout the story. The story flows nicely from beginning to end. You really feel like a little kids is talking to you about his dad.
What I really like is in the end, the characters are shown to be a part of a mixed raced family. This aligns to the current world we live in and we should continue to see more characters as such.
The illustrations are beautiful. I don't know the style but it goes well with the story. They add to the loving and child-like tone of the story. The illustrations depict the story very nicely.
Great work by the author and illustrator and everyone involved.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. Everyone should get a copy.
October 3, 2023
A child narrates how he loves his father and all the goofy, staid, loving and intelligent things he says and does – and how he regrets the father's own dad never got to know any of this. A letter to how good traits can be passed down the generations with a bit of love and care and thoughtfulness, this is very pleasant to read. It's also drawn exceptionally well, with the tiniest of needless details like a squirrel in the background showing these people are alive, and that this is no static, page-bound fantasy. Such perfect family relationships can and do exist – although I know millions of children won't recognise the sentiments within. So it's certainly not for everybody, especially as the people on the other end of that spectrum know all this already and don't need to read about it. For the majority in the middle, then, a pleasant hug of a book.
February 25, 2022
What a lovely, lovely book celebrating fathers! A young boy thinks about his grandfather, who he has never met, and wonders what he'd tell him about his father, who grandfather never met either. It's not specified exactly what happened to grandpa--the word "disappeared" is used in the story but no further detail is given, so it can be left open to interpretation.
The boy's description of his father is very sweet and full of admiration. He obviously has a wonderful dad and is well-loved. The illustrations are soft and subdued, but detailed and fascinating to look at. This would make a great story for a classroom unit about families, as well as a great Father's Day or new dad gift!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The boy's description of his father is very sweet and full of admiration. He obviously has a wonderful dad and is well-loved. The illustrations are soft and subdued, but detailed and fascinating to look at. This would make a great story for a classroom unit about families, as well as a great Father's Day or new dad gift!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
March 11, 2022
This was a delightful book that showed the importance of a Dad to a boy and his life and thus the impacts it made on him (the little boy). It is always nice to see men and fathers shone in a positive light, doing family things, and being a part of the everyday parts of life. Topics that parents can help with are touched on but not dwelt on as well as everyday happenings, so showing that kids can go to their parents with whatever is concerning them. The illustrations were soft which added to the almost reminiscent quality of the story. The story was told in a way that a kid could follow along or read the story themselves. Overall just a nice story that would be a good addition to a kid's library.
May 11, 2022
What an incredible story! My heart completely melted with love for the duo. I'm not very close to my father, he is the overprotective, stiff kind. I adore him all the same but wish he was freer with us. Oliver's dad sounds like a wonderful human being, one you can trust with your eyes closed and hands tied on the back. It's not easy to be a role model to your children. The fact that Oliver speaks so highly of him shows how much he cares and puts efforts to maintain a healthy bond with his son. I also admire the portrayal of racial diversity in the illustrations, that is such a thoughtful gesture. The cute and heart touching plot was brilliantly developed and perfected by the writer and the illustrator. Highly recommended!
August 9, 2022
This story is incredibly well written. It is very easy to read and gave me a lump in my throat, as this little boy has never met his grandfather, neither has his father, as he was not in the picture when he was born. I think this story shows that even though there was no ‘role model’, you can still be an amazing caregiver/parent. It shows how much this father loves his child and is doing all these things to make his child a better person.
I find it a very admirable story and very useful in an educational setting too, as it shows how different family dynamics can be.
The illustrations (to me) come across feeling a little bit old, more in the sense of the type of style, they used it a lot in books when I was a lot younger. but maybe that is just me being picky.
I find it a very admirable story and very useful in an educational setting too, as it shows how different family dynamics can be.
The illustrations (to me) come across feeling a little bit old, more in the sense of the type of style, they used it a lot in books when I was a lot younger. but maybe that is just me being picky.
October 12, 2022
This sweet, beautifully illustrated kids book is about the bond between father and son. The unconditional love seeps through the pages of this innocent yet poignant story. Dad teaches his son about the importance of chasing his dreams, going for what he wants and staying true to who he is... flaws and all. We are painted a beautiful, reverent picture of the dad through his son's eyes. The son goes about telling his absent grandfather all about how great his dad (the son grandpa never knew) is. It's whimsical... it's evocative... the illustrations were emotive and it would (most likely) make your young reader very happy to get a copy and experience it for himself.
*** I received an advance review copy for free from LibraryThing and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
*** I received an advance review copy for free from LibraryThing and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
May 23, 2022
A warm and sensitive picture book that will captivate dads, granddads, and grandchildren alike.
Oliver reminisces about the grandfather he has never met. He decides to tell his grandfather about the son he has never known. As Oliver talks about his dad, readers learn about a father's many roles as a friend, advisor, teacher, and playmate.
The soft, pastel watercolors of the illustrations perfectly complement the tale. I highly recommend the book for families of children ages four through eight.
Oliver reminisces about the grandfather he has never met. He decides to tell his grandfather about the son he has never known. As Oliver talks about his dad, readers learn about a father's many roles as a friend, advisor, teacher, and playmate.
The soft, pastel watercolors of the illustrations perfectly complement the tale. I highly recommend the book for families of children ages four through eight.
March 16, 2022
As someone who lost her dad not even a year ago, this book is special to me. My dad was my rock too. I'm glad I got to know him. He's almost like the dad in this book, the child's rock. The illustrations by Anna Forlati are beautiful and stunning. Really great books for kids who never got to know their dad and kids with single dads
Thank you, NetGalley and Linguacious, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you, NetGalley and Linguacious, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It was very sweet and super easy to read. Loved the progression of the story as well. Great for any age. Great for any single dads. Would be great for a classroom or library.
The pictures that went with the book were great and I really liked all the soft colors.
Overall, I would read more by this author.
I really liked this book. It was very sweet and super easy to read. Loved the progression of the story as well. Great for any age. Great for any single dads. Would be great for a classroom or library.
The pictures that went with the book were great and I really liked all the soft colors.
Overall, I would read more by this author.
June 15, 2022
I liked it, and yet it left me feeling somewhat sad.
This book has lots of great things that could be discussed with children in the quiet moments of cuddling, reading and preparing for sleep. It could also be used to discuss and introduce children to Grandparents or other family members that they have never met.
I liked the term 'octopus dad' with many arms, and the pictures and illustrations are wonderful.
This book has lots of great things that could be discussed with children in the quiet moments of cuddling, reading and preparing for sleep. It could also be used to discuss and introduce children to Grandparents or other family members that they have never met.
I liked the term 'octopus dad' with many arms, and the pictures and illustrations are wonderful.
February 25, 2022
#23/100 - 2022
It's so simple yet so heartwarming. This is how children should feel about their Dads. And I'm thankful that I have a Dad that I can be proud of even though he isn't perfect like in the book. I think Dads also need to read this book with their kids!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this lovely book!
It's so simple yet so heartwarming. This is how children should feel about their Dads. And I'm thankful that I have a Dad that I can be proud of even though he isn't perfect like in the book. I think Dads also need to read this book with their kids!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this lovely book!
July 3, 2022
Beautifully written and illustrated is a good resume of the book. How to be a dad is more like it. A good book for both dad and son, to read together and to learn together. You don't need a superman for a dad, but someone attentive and willing to share with his children are the requirement for a good dad. This is a good book, after all.
July 31, 2024
Oliver imagines telling the grandpa he has never met all about the most important person in his life: his Dad. This is a heart-warming story about all the important things dad's do and even more importantly who dads can teach us to be.
with dreamy and warm illustrations this is the perfect book to share between dad and child on Father's day.
with dreamy and warm illustrations this is the perfect book to share between dad and child on Father's day.
November 28, 2024
I quick heartwarming story about a child who admires his dad and he's his idol, his superhero. A story about a loved dad. Reading this whole story, a child talking to his dead grandfather with such love for his father, showing to anyone how lucky we are to have our dad, because not all of us have our dads by our side.
March 3, 2022
This book celebrating fathers would be a great gift for a new dad or for Fathers’ Day. The grandfather in the book isn’t present, but the text isn’t specific about why. I liked the multi-generational focus and the simple but detailed illustrations.
May 16, 2022
This is such a perfect little book. I wish this was my story but unfortunately, it wasn't but for those that have amazing stand up dads, what a gift. Everything about this book was a win for me. This would be a perfect Father's day gift for a child to give to their dad.
May 16, 2022
A beautiful book!
This book is so heartfelt. I love the way it’s written. I particularly liked the illustrations - the style is beautiful and unusual. It’s a perfect book for any kid who loves their dad! I intend to get a copy for my kids for Father’s Day!
This book is so heartfelt. I love the way it’s written. I particularly liked the illustrations - the style is beautiful and unusual. It’s a perfect book for any kid who loves their dad! I intend to get a copy for my kids for Father’s Day!
June 18, 2022
When a child overhears a question posed by another child to her father, it inspires him to write a story about the relationship that might have been , and the relationship that he has with his own father.
August 19, 2022
Fathers are important! A really sweet story showing how much of a benefit good fathers can bring to a developing child. The best fathers help others to learn their own strengths and are there for the good as well as the bad. Beautifully illustrated and shows heart that adds to the tale.
August 27, 2022
Beautiful drawings and a beautiful story, perfect for this month (in Portugal where I live, Father’s Day is in mars 19th), I am sure my kids will love this story, I highly recommend this book.
I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2024
5 stars
I read a digital advance copy of the 2024 edition courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss
This book is a beautiful tribute to a father from his son. The paintings bring the father and son to life as the son thinks on all the things his father has said - the advice and the support.
I read a digital advance copy of the 2024 edition courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss
This book is a beautiful tribute to a father from his son. The paintings bring the father and son to life as the son thinks on all the things his father has said - the advice and the support.
April 15, 2022
good read
Definitely was a nice read and it was perfect for my oldest son to read with challenging words. It will be on my shelf of books to read at night to the little ones.
Definitely was a nice read and it was perfect for my oldest son to read with challenging words. It will be on my shelf of books to read at night to the little ones.
April 24, 2022
I read this with my son and we both enjoyed the story. The pictures were cute and the story was sweet.
Want to Read
May 11, 2022Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews