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Daddy Dressed Me
Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad’s sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter.
It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation.
Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love.
It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation.
Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2023
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 16, 2023
An inspiring father-daughter relationship beams from every page and leaves the reader with a sense of warmth and happiness.
Ava finds her dad amazing. Not only can he cook, paint, and take care of her, he even designs and sews dresses for her. When the teacher announces at school that Ava is to recite a poem on a stage for their festival, she's grows very nervous and uncertain. But her father knows just what might help her out.
This is a brightly illustrated book, which centers around a wonderful father and his inspiring relationship with his daughter. The scenes pop with color and invite in as the reader accompanies Ava and learns how she deals with her nervousness thanks to her father's help. The story flows smoothly, keeps the plot running along, and does make a nice read aloud.
It was nice to see a father spotlighted in the 'do-all' category and wholesome to experience how much he treasures his daughter. Ava also realizes this and works together with him, when needed. So, it's a heart-warming read. There's also the edition of sewing—producing a design, shopping for cloth, and so on—which adds an original and lovely touch of information. Then, there are the important messages about working through nervousness, having determination, and maintaining patience when things don't work out right away. I would have liked to see this one more centered on Ava then the father, but this is me being overly critical. It's a sweet read, which inspires and leaves a smile on the face.
I received a DRC and enjoyed the inspiration in these pages.
Ava finds her dad amazing. Not only can he cook, paint, and take care of her, he even designs and sews dresses for her. When the teacher announces at school that Ava is to recite a poem on a stage for their festival, she's grows very nervous and uncertain. But her father knows just what might help her out.
This is a brightly illustrated book, which centers around a wonderful father and his inspiring relationship with his daughter. The scenes pop with color and invite in as the reader accompanies Ava and learns how she deals with her nervousness thanks to her father's help. The story flows smoothly, keeps the plot running along, and does make a nice read aloud.
It was nice to see a father spotlighted in the 'do-all' category and wholesome to experience how much he treasures his daughter. Ava also realizes this and works together with him, when needed. So, it's a heart-warming read. There's also the edition of sewing—producing a design, shopping for cloth, and so on—which adds an original and lovely touch of information. Then, there are the important messages about working through nervousness, having determination, and maintaining patience when things don't work out right away. I would have liked to see this one more centered on Ava then the father, but this is me being overly critical. It's a sweet read, which inspires and leaves a smile on the face.
I received a DRC and enjoyed the inspiration in these pages.
January 25, 2023
Stitch by stitch, this sweet book combines sewing and family. Warm and relationship-driven, the story shows how a dad’s creativity, perseverance and love stitch together the perfect dress for his young daughter. The warm colorful illustrations by Nadia Fisher are sure to capture the hearts of the young and young at heart.
January 24, 2023
This is the sweetest father/daughter book! Written by Michael Gardner, a dad who looked for ways to bond with his young daughter, this is a story of creativity, perseverance and ultimately, love. A wonderful title to gift a daughter with beautiful messages to carry through a lifetime. The illustrations by Nadia Fisher are colorful, playful and warm.
January 25, 2023
This is a truly wonderful story about the amazing bonds that dads share with their daughters. Love and patience illuminate all of the pages of gorgeous illustrations. This is a feel-good book for sure!
January 28, 2023
What a sweet book! I love that it celebrates men who enjoy creative activities. I like books where the Dad does something “girly” for his daughter, but I especially like that this Dad instead just enjoys sewing and painting and then uses those skills in his parenting. And the father and daughter are so supportive of each other—they each get to struggle and to help.
January 28, 2023
Paired with beautiful artwork, Daddy Dressed Me is an empowering true story about a single dad and his little girl. I love how the dad wants to build up his daughter’s confidence and makes beautiful creations for her. Everyone should read this heartwarming book.
December 21, 2023
Ava's kindergarten is moving up to 1st grade, and she's been tasked with reciting a poem in front of everyone. To help her feel more confident, her dad offers to make her a new dress, like he does for other special occasions. A great example of a male doing more creative arts, and a great example of a father-daughter relationship where they build each other up. Some child is going to want their own handmade dress after reading this story.
July 15, 2025
I'm always happy to find a new book to read to kindergarteners! I think they'll like this cute story about a dad who likes to sew for his daughter, especially when they see that it's based on real people.
January 24, 2023
Daddy dressed me is a wonderful story about the special bond a daughter and her dad share. The dad in this story is pretty amazing and the pair are able to develop confidence together. I love that it is based on a true story of a dad who learned to sew special dresses for his daughter as an act of love.
August 4, 2023
LOVED!!! I love seeing a dad bonding with his daughter. The fashion and how a daughter loves to dress his daughter. But also dress her in determination and love. It was fabulous
September 17, 2023
Too Cute!!!! Growth for Father and Daughter as they both overcome an obstacle.
February 3, 2023
In "Daddy Dressed Me," a father sews a dress for his daughter's special event. I love that this breaks stereotypes about sewing traditionally being a "woman's job." The story highlights the special bond between father and daughter and shows the reader the importance of patience and determination. The illustrations do a great job showing the love between parent and child.
February 1, 2023
In this heartfelt story, a father helps boost his daughter's (and his own) confidence by sewing her a one-of-a-kind dress for "move-up" day. The beautiful bond between parent and child is crafted with positivity, sensitivity, love and support. Nadia Fisher's luminous illustrations enhance the characters and their stories setting the stage for a satisfying read. A gorgeous story for families to share brimming with "patience, confidence, determination and LOVE"!
January 30, 2023
Nervous about reciting a poem for her moving-up ceremony, Ava gains confidence by practicing with her dad, who also sews her the most beautiful dress for the occasion. Each supports the other in this sweet father-daughter story. Lively and colorful illustrations convey the characters' emotions and positive attitudes toward each other. Complete with a heartwarming story behind the story in the back. Uplifting and highly recommended.
January 30, 2023
What an inspiring real life story about fatherhood and parenting. I like how this story explored the practice of persistence from both the dad and the daughter as they prepare for an important performance. The book also comes with a wonderful author's note about how the story was inspired by his own experiences as father!
January 30, 2023
What a heartwarming and beautiful story about the sweet relationship between a father and her daughter. Full of warmth, tenderness, encouragement, and love. DADDY DRESSED ME is written by Michael and Ava Gardner (the main characters in the book). Gorgeous, colorful illustration by Nadia Fisher. Full of creativity and precious moments. A must-read. Great for gifting.
March 29, 2023
I adore so much about this book!
It is such a heartwarming true story - as illustrated by cover - it feels like a loving hug!
The artistry is mesmerizing. Every page’s art brings new energy to this story of family, positivity, persistence & yes, poetry! It is genuinely affirming & celebrates father-daughter bonds of mutual uplifting.
Makes a lovely spring time & #fathersdaygift too!
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September 30, 2025•The key theme of this book explores the beautiful bond between a father and his daughter. It highlights unconditional love and celebrating father and daughter relationships. The story unfolds a father's support in making the perfect dress for his daughter.
•Audience: 3-8 years old
•I chose this book because it is a positive representation of a father and daughter relationship. I appreciate how the book challenges gender stereotypes and promotes acceptance of individuality. It doesn't carry gender roles stereotypically. Pictures and engaging narratives make a delightful read for children and parents.
•In my future classroom I will use this book to Discuss family dynamic, ABC activities, and family trees. I would even try to set up a daddy daughter day/dance.
•Audience: 3-8 years old
•I chose this book because it is a positive representation of a father and daughter relationship. I appreciate how the book challenges gender stereotypes and promotes acceptance of individuality. It doesn't carry gender roles stereotypically. Pictures and engaging narratives make a delightful read for children and parents.
•In my future classroom I will use this book to Discuss family dynamic, ABC activities, and family trees. I would even try to set up a daddy daughter day/dance.
March 28, 2023
Daddy Dressed Me is a sweet tale of a father and daughter, Ava, as they navigate life and work together to prepare Ava for her special Move Up Day ceremony where she will recite a poem on stage and needs the perfect dress for the celebration. Written by a father daughter duo, you can tell the authors were writing from a place of experience with the authenticity of the text and Fisher's gorgeously vivid illustrations perfectly capture the heartfelt emotion and special relationship between Ava and her father. Highly recommend not just for Daddy-daughter duos but for anyone looking for a sweet story about love, connection, creativity and overcoming fears! I also love the photographs in the front and back of the book of the real Ava dressed up with her Daddy.
January 26, 2023
A lovely story highlighting the special bond between Ava and her father, Daddy Dressed Me will resonate with so many children nervous about 'moving up' from kindergarten to first grade! I particularly loved that the father was learning right alongside Ava as they each met their goals. The illustrations are delightful and add to the overall story. A great addition to end of year story time!
April 12, 2023
This is a sweet story of fatherhood. A dad looking to bond with his daughter through clothes, this story highlights confidence and connection. The illustrations especially are warm and expressive. A wonderful addition to any school or library or bookshelf.
June 7, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
When a young girl is ready to graduate from kindergarten, she is a bit apprehensive about reciting a poem at the ceremony. Her father, who has sewn dresses for her for daddy-daughter dances, offers to make her a dress. The two go shopping, and she finds the perfect fabric that makes her look like "a princess". Even though the father has good sewing skills, he struggles with getting the dress just right, and has to work hard to get it to be the way he wants. There is a seam ripper involved! The dress is just what the girl wants, and it has the suprising effect of raising her confidence. She has seen her father persevere with creating her garment even though it took a long time and required a lot of effort, and she is able to internalize this and apply it to the tough thing that she must do!
Fisher's illustrations are brightly colored and have clean lines, but the best part is that she must either be a sewer (or a sewist, to use the modern term) or has done a lot of research. She draws scissor use correctly, as well as both hand and machine sewing. There is even a seam ripper. Definite bonus points for this!
There is a great end note about why Mr. Gardner started to sew, and some fun pictures of him and his daughter Ava in matching outfits. There is something about having a garment made with love just for you that is definitely a confidence booster, and I loved seeing this connection made for young readers. I also appreciated that he started out remaking thrift store garments!
The most similar comparison for this book to Cherry and Harrison's Hair Love, but this is also a great book for people who understand how important the right clothes (and especially the right DRESS) can be for one's self esteem! I know that I was sewing doll clothes when I was six, so love to see books about sewing for young readers. There are lots of books about various aspects of clothing and sewing that will go well with Daddy Dressed Me, including I Had a Favorite Dress
By Boni Ashburn and Julia Denos (for those who are sentimental), Harvey's Dressing Up the Stars (for budding designers), or Gopal's Paati's Saris (for family connections), Hatch's Rosie and the Pre-Loved Dress (because I love a good bargain!).
When a young girl is ready to graduate from kindergarten, she is a bit apprehensive about reciting a poem at the ceremony. Her father, who has sewn dresses for her for daddy-daughter dances, offers to make her a dress. The two go shopping, and she finds the perfect fabric that makes her look like "a princess". Even though the father has good sewing skills, he struggles with getting the dress just right, and has to work hard to get it to be the way he wants. There is a seam ripper involved! The dress is just what the girl wants, and it has the suprising effect of raising her confidence. She has seen her father persevere with creating her garment even though it took a long time and required a lot of effort, and she is able to internalize this and apply it to the tough thing that she must do!
Fisher's illustrations are brightly colored and have clean lines, but the best part is that she must either be a sewer (or a sewist, to use the modern term) or has done a lot of research. She draws scissor use correctly, as well as both hand and machine sewing. There is even a seam ripper. Definite bonus points for this!
There is a great end note about why Mr. Gardner started to sew, and some fun pictures of him and his daughter Ava in matching outfits. There is something about having a garment made with love just for you that is definitely a confidence booster, and I loved seeing this connection made for young readers. I also appreciated that he started out remaking thrift store garments!
The most similar comparison for this book to Cherry and Harrison's Hair Love, but this is also a great book for people who understand how important the right clothes (and especially the right DRESS) can be for one's self esteem! I know that I was sewing doll clothes when I was six, so love to see books about sewing for young readers. There are lots of books about various aspects of clothing and sewing that will go well with Daddy Dressed Me, including I Had a Favorite Dress
By Boni Ashburn and Julia Denos (for those who are sentimental), Harvey's Dressing Up the Stars (for budding designers), or Gopal's Paati's Saris (for family connections), Hatch's Rosie and the Pre-Loved Dress (because I love a good bargain!).
June 21, 2023
This is an inspiring father-daughter relationship story that beams from every page and leaves the reader with a sense of warmth and happiness. This book is a beautiful story of a father expressing love for his daughter with a sewing machine. I love the dual story of Daddy practicing new sewing techniques whilst his daughter Ava is learning her speech for a school performance. Word by word and stitch by stitch, Ava and her daddy work together, helping each other to be confident, proud, all whilst sharing their love. ‘Daddy Dressed Me’ is an empowering true story about a single dad and his little girl. I love how Ava’s dad wants to build up her confidence and makes beautiful creations for her. Everyone should read this truly heartwarming book.
It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava has been chosen to recite a poem. She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation. Ava’s dad is pretty cool, not only can he cook, paint, and take care of her, he even designs and sews dresses for her.
The illustrations are beautiful, bright and colourful. Each page invites us in as the reader and works perfectly alongside the text.
It is nice to see a father spotlighted in being the primary caregiver category and this is a wholesome tale to experience how much he treasures his daughter. Ava also realizes this and works together with him, when needed. It is a real heart-warming read. There's also the edition of sewing, producing a design, shopping for cloth, all which add an original and lovely touch of information. There are also important messages about working through nervousness, having determination, and maintaining patience when things don't work out right away.
Simply a beautiful book and perfect for all dads and their daughters.
It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava has been chosen to recite a poem. She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation. Ava’s dad is pretty cool, not only can he cook, paint, and take care of her, he even designs and sews dresses for her.
The illustrations are beautiful, bright and colourful. Each page invites us in as the reader and works perfectly alongside the text.
It is nice to see a father spotlighted in being the primary caregiver category and this is a wholesome tale to experience how much he treasures his daughter. Ava also realizes this and works together with him, when needed. It is a real heart-warming read. There's also the edition of sewing, producing a design, shopping for cloth, all which add an original and lovely touch of information. There are also important messages about working through nervousness, having determination, and maintaining patience when things don't work out right away.
Simply a beautiful book and perfect for all dads and their daughters.
April 6, 2023
Picture book. This is a beautiful father/ daughter story based on the true life of the father/ daughter author team. Ava loves her Dad and his creativity. He has all sorts of tools, painted a mural on her bedroom wall, and sews her new dresses. When the teacher announces a special ceremony to celebrate moving from kindergarten to first grade, Ava is a bit nervous. Then the teacher adds that Ava and some other students will read onstage during the ceremony! Her dad works with her on the poem as he works on Ava's dress for the ceremony. They both have to try again, but the day of the ceremony finds Ava confident and dressed beautifully in a handmade dress.
This is a slice of life story featuring a black family. I love the connection between the two and seeing how they worked through their struggles together. I also appreciated the scene of shopping at the fabric store, which took me back to my own childhood when my mom would make our Halloween costumes and occasionally other clothes. A sweet story made even better by the photos of the real life Ava and her father at the end.
This is a slice of life story featuring a black family. I love the connection between the two and seeing how they worked through their struggles together. I also appreciated the scene of shopping at the fabric store, which took me back to my own childhood when my mom would make our Halloween costumes and occasionally other clothes. A sweet story made even better by the photos of the real life Ava and her father at the end.
February 18, 2023
One of the most refreshing Daddy-Daughter books I’ve ever read. This father is as individual as one gets. He expresses his love for his daughter by designing and sewing her dresses. The story takes place when they both have to stretch their skills in preparation for daughter Ava’s Moving Up Day to first grade. Co-authored by, and based on, the real father and daughter team, children and adults can view Ava Gardner modeling Michael’s creations on IG and their website. Nadia Fisher’s vibrant illustrations capture the love and joy in this father-daughter relationship beautifully. I felt it on every page. This story about a single dad and his daughter is uplifting and celebratory of individuality, teamwork, trying new things, how confidence grows from perseverance and most importantly the power of love.
February 9, 2023
This book is a loving tribute to the relationship between a father and daughter who both gain confidence in their abilities through persistence, practice, and mostly love and support of one another. I love that the father is the one who creates the beautiful dresses while the little girl is the one who musters up the courage to speak in public and move on to a higher grade. The color palette for this book is perfect for the story, warm, joyful and evocative of a calm and peaceful environment. The illustrations reinforce the message of love and togetherness that permeates the story. I think this story would be a lovely addition to any kindergarten class or home of a young child.
April 27, 2023
Sweet Daddy-Daughter Read Focused On Creativity
This sweet true story made me feel the love between nervous kindergartener Ava and her loving father, who makes clothes for her to feel confident. I love seeing a nurturing father who sews and how the daddy-daughter duo work as a team to achieve their goals in this story. This would be a great book for father's day, single dads, or dads who love creative endeavors. The art is vibrant with great kid-appeal and the letter in the back from the author about how he came to make these clothes adds to the message of the story-- that you can feel confident when you do the things you love and practice to do them well.
This sweet true story made me feel the love between nervous kindergartener Ava and her loving father, who makes clothes for her to feel confident. I love seeing a nurturing father who sews and how the daddy-daughter duo work as a team to achieve their goals in this story. This would be a great book for father's day, single dads, or dads who love creative endeavors. The art is vibrant with great kid-appeal and the letter in the back from the author about how he came to make these clothes adds to the message of the story-- that you can feel confident when you do the things you love and practice to do them well.
April 26, 2023
I like this story and love that the Dad in it not only sews but also designs clothes! It was neat to see them work side by side and both make mistakes (the daughter with her poem and the father with the dress he was making for her). Overall a sweet story that challenges gender stereotypes a bit and shows how clothes (if bought with thoughtfulness or, especially, made with loving care) can help give confidence to the wearer.
It's also really cool that it is kind of based on the authors' (father and daughter) experience, the father actually sews things for his daughter.
It's also really cool that it is kind of based on the authors' (father and daughter) experience, the father actually sews things for his daughter.
June 6, 2023
Brief summary: Ava's father is good at making things but especially sewing her dresses for special occasions. She will recite a poem onstage during Move Up Day and is worried she will forget the words.
Her father tells the nervous girl that he will help her memorize the lines and would like to sew a unique dress to boost her confidence. Will both of their hard work pay off on the big day?
Based on a true story which can be found in the back--The Story Behind the Story. Loved to see the photos of the real father and daughter duo.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Her father tells the nervous girl that he will help her memorize the lines and would like to sew a unique dress to boost her confidence. Will both of their hard work pay off on the big day?
Based on a true story which can be found in the back--The Story Behind the Story. Loved to see the photos of the real father and daughter duo.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
March 31, 2023
Oh my goodness, so precious. Ava has to recite a poem during her Moving Up Day ceremony and, though she is nervous, she and her dad work together on practicing the poem as he works on sewing Ava's dress for the big day-- a challenge for him, as well. A very adorable story about father-daughter love, persistence, and teamwork.
Themes: Father-Daughter, Sewing, Teamwork, Determination/Persistence
Age range: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
Themes: Father-Daughter, Sewing, Teamwork, Determination/Persistence
Age range: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews