Daddy’s Hugs and Snuggles

PreS-Gr 2–Through the simplicity of a life, from morning to bedtime, Ashman shows how fathers love and care for their children. This book celebrates the ordinary activities and chores of a father’s life, such as making breakfast and going for a walk, through endearing words of poetry. Massey illustrates each stanza of the poem with a different dad and child engaging in the activities described. The racial diversity of the duos is inclusive of multiple cultures, though there is lack of diversity in other areas, such as age. The illustrations bring the words to life and reinforce the message of love and relationship between father and child. This book is captivating when read silently, but read aloud it is music to one’s ears due to the rhythm and rhyming of each stanza: “Daddy listens when I talk. Lets me linger on a walk. Lifts me high so I can see. Makes me laugh. Laughs with me.” This book reminds readers of the selflessness of fathers, and reminds fathers of the importance of spending time with their children.