My Dad, My Rock

Victor D. O. Santos (illus. Anna Forlati)

‘The text radiates love, as well as pride in this powerful family dynamic. The illustrations, with their muted and nostalgic coloration, are gorgeous and charming. Their intricate details include recurring motifs that show the lifelong bond between the father and his son … My Dad, My Rock is a heartwarming picture book about father-son love that carries from one generation to the next.’

Foreword Reviews, starred review

‘Accompanied by Forlati’s lush, beautifully textured illustrations with an understated but warm colour palette, My Dad, My Rock is a heartfelt and moving ode to the father-son bond … A genuine delight … [A] profound meditation on the ways in which fathers have the power to positively shape their sons.’

Booklife Reviews, starred review and editor's pick

View all reviews

‘Such a heartwarming book. Beautifully written and illustrated.’

Eric Fan, author-illustrator (from The Fan Brothers)

‘A moving story to remind us that love is a form of deep noticing and that loving can very much be made up of new choices we make.’

Kate Hoefler, author of Rabbit and the Motorbike, Nothing in Common, and Real Cowboys

‘A touching multigenerational ode to fathers with illustrations as sweet as the love between this dad and son.’

Jessie Oliveros, author of The Remember Balloons

‘Santos offers a poignant picture of multigenerational fatherhood in this tender tribute … Forlati’s artfully textural illustrations soothe with their soft colours and careful lines, aptly matching the story’s emotional acuity.’

Publishers Weekly

‘A touching title for good dads everywhere.’

Author and librarian extraordinaire Betsy Bird, Evanston Public Library

‘An extremely heartwarming and soul-touching story. It is hard to describe the wonderful feelings you will get reading this book. Everyone should get a copy.’

Reedsy Dicovery, starred review

‘A beautiful and compellingly different approach to celebrating fathers. Many picture books for kids explore love between fathers and sons but few are so specific, engaging, and realistically reflective as My Dad, My Rock. It should be critical, essential reading for any age who would better understand the important role of a father in the family. An exceptional read that is highly recommended.’

Midwest Book Review

‘A heartwarming ode to fatherhood. Lovely, muted pencil illustrations in soft shades add a dream-like quality to the story. A delightful book for sharing, and perfect for Father’s Day.’

The Children’s Book Review

‘My Dad, My Rock is a tender, compassionate look at a father-son relationship … The plot is a journey not only about the father-son bond but also about what it truly means to be a Dad. The language is simple so young readers can follow along and the protagonist, Oliver, will certainly connect with young readers and their feelings toward their Dads … A beautiful, touching story that will melt your heart in the same way that Robert Munsch’s book, Love You Forever, touched generations of young readers (and their loving parents, too).’

Readers’ Favorite

‘This engaging and brightly coloured tour through a plant nursery is a perfect introduction to gardening for children aged 5+ and is a vibrant celebration of gardens and those who nurture them.’

ReadPlus

‘Santos ably describes the love and encouraging support that children want from parents at all stages of life. Using short sentences, Santos’ approachable text feels true to a child’s understanding of a nurturing parent, and it will also resonate with caregivers who strive to be positive role models. Forlati’s highly textured pastel illustrations offer realistic depictions of the love between a parent and child. Both the text and images share a subdued, comforting tone. A beautifully illustrated, touching tale of love.’

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

If I could meet my grandpa,
this is what I would tell him …
When I grow up, I want to be like my dad.

Oliver has never met his grandpa, and neither has his dad.

In this heartwarming book, Oliver imagines telling his grandpa about the most important person in his life—the man who teaches him to live with joy and feel deeply.

A moving ode to parenthood, the bonds we share with our children, and the ways we shape their lives.

Foreword Reviews, starred review

Booklife Reviews, starred review and editor's pick

View all reviews

‘Such a heartwarming book. Beautifully written and illustrated.’

Eric Fan, author-illustrator (from The Fan Brothers)

‘A moving story to remind us that love is a form of deep noticing and that loving can very much be made up of new choices we make.’

Kate Hoefler, author of Rabbit and the Motorbike, Nothing in Common, and Real Cowboys

‘A touching multigenerational ode to fathers with illustrations as sweet as the love between this dad and son.’

Jessie Oliveros, author of The Remember Balloons

Publishers Weekly

‘A touching title for good dads everywhere.’

Author and librarian extraordinaire Betsy Bird, Evanston Public Library

‘An extremely heartwarming and soul-touching story. It is hard to describe the wonderful feelings you will get reading this book. Everyone should get a copy.’

Reedsy Dicovery, starred review

Midwest Book Review

‘A heartwarming ode to fatherhood. Lovely, muted pencil illustrations in soft shades add a dream-like quality to the story. A delightful book for sharing, and perfect for Father’s Day.’

The Children’s Book Review

Readers’ Favorite

‘This engaging and brightly coloured tour through a plant nursery is a perfect introduction to gardening for children aged 5+ and is a vibrant celebration of gardens and those who nurture them.’

ReadPlus

Details

Format:Hardback

Size: 275mm × 216mm

Extent:32pp

ISBN (13):9781915590671

RRP:£12.99

Pub date:2 May 2024

High-res cover:Download Image

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AUTHOR

Victor D. O. Santos

Victor D. O. Santos is a professional linguist and the author of ten picture books, including the acclaimed What Makes Us Human, officially endorsed by and to be published in partnership with UNESCO in Spring 2024. Originally from Brazil and raised by a single mother, he now lives in Iowa (USA) with his Ukrainian wife and two multicultural, trilingual children. My Dad, My Rock was inspired by a true question his son asked him one night, which can be found on the very first page of the book. He believes that children’s books have the power to truly change people of all ages and therefore the world, and gravitates towards writing picture books on the themes of kindness and diversity. His books have been translated into over 15 languages.

ILLUSTRATOR

Anna Forlati

Anna Forlati was born in Padua, Italy. After receiving a degree in contemporary art and a degree in film history at the IUAV University in Venice, she now teaches illustration at the prestigious Ars in Fabula School of Illustration in Macerata (Italy) and dedicates herself to the world of illustration for children. She has illustrated over 40 children's books and has taken part in many international exhibitions dedicated to illustration.

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My Dad, My Rock

Victor D. O. Santos (illus. Anna Forlati)

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Multi-time winner of the Australian Small Publisher of the Year Award