This picture book disguised as a simple story of a father/daughter walk is basically the best parenting manual you’ll ever need. It is, in fact, very beautiful, and not something to be overlooked or underestimated. This dad gets down on the same level as his daughter and values what she thinks is important. It’s a constant reminder that grown ups simply don’t see things the same way as children, and to never overvalue the things adults think are important. The grown ups don’t even know what the drawing is, and then discourage the boy from pursuing art any further at all. The essence of this beautiful picture book also reminds me of the tattoo I want to get - the boa constrictor eating the elephant from The Little Prince. For his part, Dad displays unheard of levels of patience, and is happy to play along for the entire day. The little girl is a bit self-absorbed and demanding, and she’s quite content to control the direction of their conversation for the entire day. The young girl tightrope walks the border between bossy and playful as she directs her dad to ask her certain questions: “Ask me what I like.” “Ask me if I like ice cream cones.” “Ask me if I want another good night kiss.” It’s powerfully adorable, and undoubtedly humorous at the same time, because almost every parent out there can say, “wait a second, I know this conversation.”Ī lot of things are taking place simultaneously in this deceptively simple story. And I’m quite convinced I know this girl. It’s a nonstop barrage of ideas and questions - or, more accurately, a demand for questions. I’d also like to say I can read the father’s voice as my own, but I don’t think it would be fair to say I have the same superhuman, limitless patience this dad displays. The book is written entirely in dialogue between father and daughter - and I could read this entire book in the voice of my daughter.
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